For the first time in Los Angeles tourist history, Australia rose to first place for overseas visitors.
“This can be largely attributed to new and expanded airline service from Australia to Los Angeles. In 2009, V Australia began service to LA from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and Delta added service from Sydney,” said the city in a news release.
LA’s visitors increased overall by nearly eight percent over 2009 with 25.7 million people visiting the city.
“Los Angeles also benefitted from growth from Asia, specifically travelers from China, which saw an increase of nearly 80 percent,” says a release.
There was also a 54 percent increase in South Korean visitors and a 25 percent increase in tourists from Japan.
“LA is the gateway to the Pacific Rim and we have been focusing on that region as a significant growth opportunity for visitors,” said Mark Liberman, President and CEO of LA INC., LA CVB.
LAX has more than 1,000 weekly nonstop flights to 66 international destinations on more than 75 carriers and accounts for $10.7 billion annually in economic benefits to the Southern California region, according to airport officials.
By David Wilkening
