A new online training tool designed to help travel trade professionals in the UK and Ireland sell Los Angeles has been launched, with an app to follow next month.
Desktop, mobile and tablet-friendly, the LA Insider programme aims to capitalise on the tourism boom on the west coast.
Produced by the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board (LA Tourism), the portal will feature modules specifically tailored to the UK and Ireland market, including detailed information on the latest developments in the city and selling tools.
An LA Insider app also will be available from May 1.
LA Tourism says 48.3 million people visited LA in 2017, 370,000 from the UK and Ireland, and this is expected to surge past 50 million by 2020.
Francine Sheridan, LA Tourism Europe and ME regional director, said LA Insider would help clients “Discover LA like an insider” and “sell LA like an expert”.
“Los Angeles’ welcoming spirit, celebration of diversity and perfect weather are bringing visitors in greater numbers,” she said.
“New restaurants, attractions and hotels are opening up quickly to meet demand and it can be difficult to stay on top of all the new developments – LA Insider aims to provide the travel trade with a one-stop-shop platform for everything they need.”
The LA Insider tools provide quick and easy access to marketing assets, factsheets, maps, videos and VR tours, as well as information about Los Angeles International Airport and its modernisation programme.
Professionals who complete the LA Insider training will receive a certificate, discounts and specials and opportunities to enter future fam trips to the city.
Each market specific version of the app will include video pieces by expats describing what it is they love about LA and how to make the most of a visit.
Ernest Wooden Jr, president and chief executive of LA Tourism, added: “The launch of LA Insider speaks to our commitment to travel trade professionals by providing them with helpful tools they can use on a daily basis as well as recognition for their expertise.”
To learn more or enrol, visit the LA Insider web portal.