Visit California President and CEO Issues Statement on LA Wildfires

Image: Los Angeles downtown skyline. (Photo Credit: LA Tourism)
Image: Los Angeles downtown skyline. (Photo Credit: LA Tourism)
Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 2:25 PM ET, Wed January 22, 2025

Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta encouraged travelers to visit Los Angeles in the aftermath of the wildfires that have devastated some of the city’s communities.

“Los Angeles is the beating heart of California tourism,” she said. “The city, along with its iconic sites and experiences – the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Getty and Getty Villa, Griffith Observatory and many more – remain intact and accessible to visitors from around the world.

“Los Angeles depends on its normally thriving tourism economy. Plan a trip and help the local businesses and residents that need tourism now more than ever.”

Beteta noted that tourism officials are “still processing the devastation wrought by the Los Angeles wildfires and the impact they had on the people and communities of LA, and those that love them.”

“We are immensely thankful for the first responders that have been working tirelessly and are truly moved by the outpouring of support seen throughout this tragedy,” she said. “From Angelenos volunteering their time and local restaurants opening their doors with free meals to the state’s tourism industry organizing donations and hotel discounts for evacuees. When the going gets tough, Californians rally together. Now we’re counting on you.”

She added, “Los Angeles has always been a beacon to the world – a place where dreams are born and stories unfold from the silver screen to iconic landmarks. Now this resilient city needs your help in its recovery story. One of the best ways to support the comeback of Los Angeles is to plan a trip.

Impacted communities and businesses need the tourism economy to keep doors open and to support the many residents whose lives and livelihoods have been affected. Fortunately, more than 98 percent of Los Angeles County was not in a burn area.”


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