Months of negative news have sparked a tough summer in Los Angeles’ tourism industry, deepening the economic hardships of cities burning by natural disasters and immigration raids.
Visitor arrivals this season have fallen nearly 10% this season, according to the latest figures from Visit California.
The region’s economy and image have suffered a huge setback this year. Shocking images of the destructive Eaton and Palisades in January were launched, followed by a June migrant crackdown, becoming global news and deportation tourists. at the same time, President Trump’s fickle tariff policy Other geopolitical gestures have also convinced many international tourists to avoid the United States.
Salim Osman said there were fewer visitors on Hollywood Avenue, while there were fewer visitors to show up. He works for cycling like stars, an exotic car company that rents tourists who want to ride in luxury cars and snaps up typical Los Angeles selfies.
Last year, the crowd lined up to rent Ferrari and porch for $200 an hour, Salim said. However, this summer, traffic has dropped by nearly 50%.
He looked along the boulevard. “It’s much harder for people to come here, or they’re afraid of what’s going on here, so they just won’t come.”
Business around TCL Chinese Theatre has been slow, where visitors put their hands in specific handprints of celebrities such as Kristen Stewart and Denzel Washington.
More and more people jump on sightseeing buses, parked in Madame Tussauds’ wax museum, and took improvised photos with patrol characters such as Spider-Man and Mickey Mouse. Souvenir shops nearby said they also had to raise the prices of many small needle bags due to tariffs and sales.
Of all international travelers in the state, the most important absence is Canadian tourists. The arrival of tourists from UP North fell by about 30% in June and July.
Mayor Ron Deharte said Palm Springs summer is OK this year, but that’s simply because domestic tourists offset the sharp decline in Canadians.
“We hurt Canadian friends with actions taken by the government. It’s understandable,” he said. “We don’t know how long they don’t want to travel to the United States, but we hope it’s short term.”
Long Beach Airport Long Beach Airport Travelers’ views. Long Beach Airport saw passenger flow drop by 10.5% compared to 2024.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Tourists from China, India and Germany also avoid the country. Surprisingly, Mexican tourists did not leave. Although ice raids are often targeted by Latinos, our southern neighbors are coming 5.4%.
Traffic volumes are falling at most Los Angeles airports. With the World Cup at next year and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the growing decline in tourism is worrying for many industries in all industries.
Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry said the reduced aviation schedule, economic pressure and rising costs have also affected airport traffic. She is currently looking for the best way to prepare for the Olympics, which don’t involve flying income, such as dining at the airport and souvenir shopping.
“We focus on attracting new services, increasing non-infringement revenue and managing spending to remain resilient,” she said.
Many of the state’s most prominent attractions are also experiencing a drought spell. Yosemite Bookings before Memorial Day weekend were reportedly reduced by 50%.
Dennis Speigel, president of the industry’s consulting firm International Theme Park Services, said the past year has been a “soft year” for most theme parks nationwide.
The “Marilyn Forever” statue tower covers visitors to weekly Palm Springs countryside events along the Museum Road.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
As more people embrace the idea of accommodation, or take the holidays closer to home, international tourists and more domestic traffic is reduced.
“People who live in the parks in the area of the park,” he said, adding that people stayed at home this summer because of “general economy, media, tariffs, chaos and uncertainty.” ”
Los Angeles and California rely on tourism.
last year, The state’s tourism industry reached a new high, visitorsAccording to the 2024 Economic Impact Report on Visiting California, S spent $157.3 billion, a 3% increase from 2023, creating 24,000 jobs.
“Los Angeles is the main international portal of California; these impacts are statewide,” Adam Burke, president of Los Angeles Tourism, said in a statement to the Times. “Looking forward, long-term recovery will depend on the global economic situation and how the United States is considered.”
Visitors travel through celebrity stars on Hollywood Avenue in front of the Dolby Theatre.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Australian tourists Geoffrey and Tennille Mutton ignore warnings from their friends and family to bring their two daughters to Los Angeles
“A lot of people’s perception of America has changed,” Geoffrey said, while enjoying Ben & Jerry’s ice cream outside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “They don’t want to come here to support this place.”
