by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:25 PM ET, Thu January 30, 2025
Weeks after deadly wildfires erupted across Los Angeles, three of the active fires are nearing containment and residents are slowly returning to the impacted neighborhoods.
The Cal Fire website reports that the Palisades Fire, which charred 23,448 acres, is 97 percent contained. Similarly the Eaton Fire, which covered some 14,021 acres, has now been 99 percent contained and the Hughes Fire that impacted about 10,425 acres is 98 percent contained.
A steady stream of residents began reentering the Pacific Palisades neighborhood this week, now that officials have given the go-ahead to access the burn zone. Many of those who returned donned protective gear in response to health warnings about the toxic ash that remains in the wake of the fires as a result of burned cars, electronics, and more.
While the city and its residents begin the daunting journey of recovery, travelers and travel advisors may be wondering how best to respond in the coming days and weeks. Should travelers stay away while the community takes time to heal and rebuild? Or is the support of travelers more necessary than ever? And what message do California officials have for travel advisors right now?
What Travel Advisors Need To Know
Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta says the primary point she wants to convey is simple: Now is the time to visit Los Angeles.
“As households across the country – and world – are planning their 2025 vacations, we want everyone to know that Los Angeles remains open and ready to welcome you,” said Beteta. “Ninety-eight percent of Los Angeles, including its iconic landmarks and attractions, remains untouched and fully prepared to welcome visitors.”
What’s more, Beteta stressed that the economic fallout from the wildfires is already becoming abundantly clear. One out of five California tourism industry-related jobs are in Los Angeles County, according to Visit California, highlighting just how vital tourism is to the city’s and the region’s economy. As well as to recovery efforts.
“LA’s local businesses and residents depend on tourism, and there’s no better way to help the region recover than to plan a trip now,” added Beteta.
Adam Burke, president & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism), echoed Beteta’s comments calling continued tourism “a lifeline” that is essential to supporting the community’s recovery.
“The role of travel advisors has never been more important to Los Angeles,” said Burke.
“There have been some misconceptions that all of Los Angeles was impacted by the fires. While our community heals from this heartbreak, it is more important than ever for the travel trade to help LA’s recovery efforts by assuring their clients that the vast majority of LA’s neighborhoods are safe, vibrant, and ready to welcome travelers.”
While Burke said tourism officials are urging visitors to be mindful of impacted areas and to travel responsibly, these same officials are calling upon travel advisors to encourage clients to continue visiting Los Angeles. The travel trade can play an essential role in Los Angeles' road to recovery, noted Burke.
“Much like the critical role the entertainment industry plays in LA’s economy, tourism is one of the most significant drivers of employment, local business sales, and tax dollars that provide essential services for all Angelenos,” Burke explained.
According to Los Angeles Tourism data, 540,000 Angelenos and 1,000 local businesses depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
What Can Travelers Expect When Visiting Los Angeles?
As Visit California’s Beteta mentioned, the vast majority of Los Angeles was not impacted by the wildfires. And the handful of attractions that were, have begun reopening.
For instance, the legendary Getty Center reopened on Tuesday, after a three-week closure (The Getty Villa, a separate attraction, remains closed until further notice.) The Skirball Cultural Center is set to reopen on February 2.
Attractions around the city that remain fully operational and open for business include the Intuit Dome, Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles County Museum of Art(LACMA), the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign.
In addition, the city’s bi-annual Dine LA Restaurant Week program is taking place as scheduled through February 7, with this season’s event benefitting LA’s ongoing wildfire relief efforts.
“LA's food community has demonstrated inspiring resilience and generosity,” continued Burke. “Many restaurants have stepped up to support people impacted by wildfires as the dining industry continues to face its own challenges. Dine LA provides a meaningful way for Angelenos and visitors in LA right now to support the local restaurant community while fostering a sense of comfort and connection.”
The decision to continue with Dine LA as planned despite the devastating fires was made in collaboration with the city’s community of chefs and restaurants, said Burke. He described it as yet another example of how the Los Angeles community is standing together and supporting each other during an incredibly challenging time.
For each Dine LA reservation made, LA Tourism will donate $5 to the American Red Cross and its LA-based efforts up to a maximum $50,000. Banc of California, the largest independent bank based in LA, is matching that contribution, doubling the total donation to $100,000.
Where Should Travelers Stay When Visiting?
For travel advisors wondering what neighborhoods to send their clients to and where to book hotels, Burke points to the city's unaffected areas. They include:
- DTLA and the Arts District
- Culver City
- Mid-City
- Silver Lake
- Echo Park
- Koreatown
- Thai Town
- The Valley
“Los Angeles is a vast city with a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences that remain unaffected. We are proud that Los Angeles remains one of the world’s most inclusive destinations, where clients will feel not just welcomed – but embraced by our community,” Burke added.
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