Visit California is encouraging visitors to enjoy the Los Angeles area and help the local economy.
The state’s tourism board has issued an update to clear up any misconceptions around tourism and travel to the Greater Los Angeles Area following the recent wildfires in the state.
“Thankfully, 98% of LA County was not in a burn area, and the city, along with its iconic sites and experiences, remain intact and accessible to visitors,” officials said. “For any tour operators, travel agents, or travellers in general unsure about whether now is a good time to visit LA, this message from Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta provides clarity.”
“Our message to travellers is simple: Now is the time to visit Los Angeles,” Beteta said. “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. Ninety-eight percent of Los Angeles, including its iconic landmarks and attractions, remains untouched and fully prepared to welcome visitors.
“The economic impacts of these wildfires are already becoming increasingly evident. One out of five California tourism-related jobs are in Los Angeles County, highlighting just how vital the tourism industry is to the region’s economy and 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.”
In addition to the above, here’s a variety of resources that may also be useful:
Visit California homepage – Refreshed content to help travelers plan confidently
Travel Alert – Current facts and conditions from local authorities
Real-time FAQ for traveling to LA – Active travel and planning updates
Support relief efforts – Opportunities to financially support recovery
LA Hero stories – Inspiring tourism industry contributions to the community
The next 10 years are poised to be a “mega decade of opportunity” for California tourism, anchored by major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A., said Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Additionally, the greater L.A. area is slated to host the NBA All-Star weekend next year as well as the Super Bowl in 2027.
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Adam Burke recently issued a statement on discoverlosangeles.com.
“Our hearts are with all Angelenos who have suffered loss during this incredibly difficult time, and we are grateful beyond words to the first responders and all who have provided aid to our community from across the country and around the world. In addition to our own direct support for relief efforts, we are inspired by the way all Angelenos have come together with extraordinary generosity, resilience, and compassion, demonstrating the unshakable spirit of our community,” he said.
“With over 540,000 Angelenos working in the tourism sector and more than 1,000 local businesses relying on our industry for their livelihoods, travelers continuing to visit our City of Angels for leisure, business, and meetings & conventions has never been more critical. In moments like these, tourism does more than drive our economy – it becomes a lifeline in supporting our community’s recovery.
“As the second-largest city in the U.S., the vast majority of our world-class attractions and tourism-related businesses remain fully operational, and we continue to welcome visitors with the warmth, creativity, and vibrancy that make LA so unique,” Burke said.
“In our City of Angels, the possibilities are limitless. From spectacular sports & entertainment offerings to the nation’s largest collection of museums and performance venues, one of the world’s most dynamic culinary scenes, ever-evolving theme parks and attractions, stunning beaches and outdoor recreation options, and outstanding hotels to fit every budget, Los Angeles is a destination like no other.”
