Los Angeles Leaders Declare Region Open for Travel

The recent wildfires that ripped through the Los Angeles region have left an enormous economic impact in their wake. But leaders in the area’s travel and tourism community have issued a message that the region not only remains open for business but plans to thrive despite the challenges that remain.

That message is especially timely as the region continues its preparations as host of some of the largest sports events in the world, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will feature Los Angeles as a host city and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, where the world’s attention will once again return to the extended community. While fires caused damage in a small percentage of specific neighborhoods around Los Angeles, none of the venues that will be used for those events were impacted.

In a letter issued during Northstar Travel Group’s ALIS Conference, Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta and Adam Burke, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism Board, reiterated that the region remains open for business, especially for the travel that has made the destination such an attractive location for leisure and business travelers alike. In fact, the business will play a key role in the region’s recovery, they said.

“With one in five tourism-related jobs in California based in Los Angeles County, choosing the region for your meeting, conference or event directly supports thousands of local businesses and the more than half a million Angelenos whose livelihoods depend on them,” they wrote. “Every ticket purchased, hotel room booked and restaurant reservation made plays a vital role in recovery, fostering economic stability and growth.”

Below is the full text of their message:

The story of Los Angeles has always been one of strength, unity and an unrelenting drive to overcome adversity. In the wake of the recent wildfires, the outpouring of support from across the nation and around the world has been deeply moving. As the region begins to rebuild, now is the time to stand with LA and support its recovery by continuing to bring your business to the City of Angels

More than 98% of Los Angeles County was not directly impacted by the fires, leaving almost all the region’s landmarks and iconic destinations untouched. Hotels, restaurants and venues remain fully operational and are eager to welcome visitors. Keeping your business or expanding your presence in Los Angeles not only helps avert an economic crisis but also sends the entire world a clear message: Los Angeles is open for business.

With one in five tourism-related jobs in California based in Los Angeles County, choosing the region for your meeting, conference or event directly supports thousands of local businesses and the more than half a million Angelenos whose livelihoods depend on them. Every ticket purchased, hotel room booked and restaurant reservation made plays a vital role in recovery, fostering economic stability and growth.

Los Angeles thrives when business thrives. From the vibrancy of downtown LA to the stunning coastlines of Marina del Rey, the charm of West Hollywood, the cultural hubs of Pasadena and Santa Monica, the elegance of Beverly Hills and adventures of Santa Clarita, your planned events and new opportunities fuel recovery efforts and reaffirm Los Angeles’ role as a global hub of creativity and commerce.

Your commitment to Los Angeles uplifts California’s travel and tourism industry as a whole. Supporting Los Angeles strengthens not just this region but all of California. As the gateway to the Golden State, Los Angeles connects visitors to everything from San Diego’s beaches to Napa’s vineyards and Northern California’s redwoods.

Visit California and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board are working tirelessly, alongside other regional destination marketing organizations, to support recovery efforts, providing real-time updates and ensuring visitors and businesses have access to critical resources. This is a moment for action — your continued commitment to Los Angeles will make an immediate and lasting impact.

Time and again, Los Angeles has shown extraordinary resilience. As the region rebuilds, choosing Los Angeles demonstrates a meaningful investment in its recovery. Your support helps this vibrant destination continue to thrive as a beacon of culture, innovation and opportunity.

Los Angeles is open for business, Southern California is open for business and the state is open for business. Don’t cancel your plans — now is the time to host your event, support our communities and help show the world our resilience.