Company description::
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Los Angeles will welcome the international travel world in 2004 when the city hosts the 36th annual TIA International Pow Wow from April 24 to 28, 2004. The trade show is a one-stop marketplace for thousands of top international buyers, suppliers and travel journalists to convene and plan travel packages for the next four to five years.
“This is a very important opportunity for Los Angeles,” said Larry Kurzweil, president and CEO, Universal Studios Hollywood, and chairman, 2004 TIA International Pow Wow Host City Committee. “Visitors from international markets account for 20 percent of the visitors to L.A. but 32 percent of the visitor spending. At Universal, we understand the importance and value of international visitors and we look forward to welcoming Pow Wow delegates to the World’s Largest Movie Studio and Theme Park on the opening night of Pow Wow 2004.”
Patti MacJennett, senior vice president of Marketing for LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “In recent years Los Angeles has experienced an explosive growth in tourism and in our capacity to make certain that the L.A. Experience is critical for any tariff, program or itinerary offered by those who market and sell US products. We intend to showcase it during 2004 Pow Wow to its best advantage.”
Kurzweil notes that program elements for the 2004 Pow Wow will emphasize key features of the L.A. Experience that include: an environment that has year-round, visitor-friendly weather; beaches that are ranked at or near the top in any worldwide list; world class cultural landmarks like the new Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Getty Center; user-friendly and visitor-friendly ground transportation that includes a rail system connecting major attractions and activities through the greater L.A. region; theme park features unrivaled by any destination, anywhere; world-class shopping; and a location that makes L.A. a hub and featured component of any California itinerary. Kurzweil added, “Every program element will remind visitors why L.A. is the Entertainment Capital of the World.” The 2004 Pow Wow Host City Committee members are made up of leaders from all aspects of Los Angeles. Tourism leaders are teaming with entertainment, retail, cultural, and the mayor’s international trade representative to present the city.
Pow Wow sponsors include: AEG, American Express Company, DFS, See’s Candies, Universal Studios Hollywood, California Travel and Tourism Commission, Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events, The Patina Group, Young’s Market Company and Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Also involved in the planning of Pow Wow 2004 are the convention and visitors bureaus and chambers throughout L.A. County. This includes Beverly Hills, Downtown, Hollywood, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, San Pedro, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and West Hollywood.
LA INC. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes Los Angeles as a destination for leisure travel, meetings and conventions.
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Travel Industry of America’s
International Pow Wow Fact Sheet
Date: April 24-28, 2004
U.S. suppliers meet with tour operators and travel journalists from 70 countries in 40,000 prescheduled appointments. An estimated $3 billion of future U.S. travel business is negotiated during the five-day marketplace.
Economic Return for L.A.
• As the host city, Los Angeles will realize an estimated $300 million in international travel business over the next two to four years following Pow Wow
• For every dollar spent hosting Pow Wow, L.A. will make $107 in return business
Why International Tourism is Critical to L.A.
• Tourism is L.A.’s 2nd largest industry (255,700 jobs)
• 4.1 million international visitors spend $3.1 billion in L.A.
• 18 percent of L.A.’s visitors are international but account for 27 percent of visitor spending
• 45 airlines provide 832 international flights weekly
Opportunity for Los Angeles
• An economic development program to increase tourism to Los Angeles, travel plans for 2005 and beyond
• Strongly positions L.A. as California’s premier gateway destination
• 1,800 international tour operators who package the U.S. and 250 international press personally experience the scale and scope of new visitor product throughout L.A.
Host City Responsibilities
• City Welcome
• Airport Arrivals and Departures
• L.A. Neighborhood Tours
• Media Destination Tours
L.A. Neighborhood Tours Promote Local Communities
• 24 customized sightseeing itineraries showcase L.A. communities
• Highlight new attractions, museums and cultural venues
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L.A. last hosted Pow Wow in 1996.
Contact: Olaf Kaehlert, Media Relations, LA, Inc.
213/236-2397, fax 213/452-1497
Email: okaehlert@LAinc.us or visit: www.visitLAnow.com
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