What's Happening?
TravelManagers, a travel management company, has completed a four-day familiarization tour in Santa Monica, California, hosted by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. This visit was aimed at assessing Santa Monica's potential as a luxury base for Australians
attending major global events in Los Angeles, such as the Route 66 centenary in 2026, the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the 2028 Olympic Games. The team, including two senior leaders and personal travel manager Angela Bowerman, explored various high-end properties and local attractions. They visited eight luxury hotels, including the newly transformed Oceana Santa Monica LXR Hotels & Resorts and the newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach. The group also experienced local lifestyle offerings, such as a private coastal cycling tour, dining at local restaurants, and attending the LA Wine & Food Festival.
Why It's Important?
Santa Monica's strategic location, just 19 kilometers from SoFi Stadium and close to Los Angeles' Olympic venues, positions it as an attractive alternative to downtown Los Angeles for visitors seeking luxury accommodations. The city's appeal is further enhanced by its iconic beachfront hotels and new luxury openings, making it a compelling choice for international travelers, particularly Australians. This development is significant as it highlights Santa Monica's potential to boost local tourism and hospitality industries by attracting high-spending visitors during these major events. The increased interest from Australian travelers could lead to economic benefits for the region, including increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and participation in local activities.
What's Next?
As Santa Monica prepares for the influx of international visitors, local businesses and tourism operators are likely to enhance their offerings to cater to the expected demand. This could include expanding hotel capacities, improving transportation links, and developing new attractions to ensure a memorable experience for visitors. Additionally, marketing efforts may intensify to promote Santa Monica as a premier destination for luxury travel, leveraging its proximity to major event venues. Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors will need to collaborate to maximize the economic opportunities presented by these upcoming global events.
