New report: Los Angeles tourism industry lagging behind all other major U.S. cities in post-pandemic recovery

A new report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released today highlights the challenges faced by the Los Angeles tourism industry in recovering from the pandemic and recent wildfires. The city’s recovery of international visitors lags behind other major U.S. cities, impacting hotel closures, job losses, and budget shortfalls. Despite being a top employer in Los Angeles County, the tourism industry is struggling, with a significant transient occupancy tax revenue deficit.

As Los Angeles prepares for major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, proposed hotel operational restrictions could further harm the industry and lead to increased budget shortfalls. The City Council’s measures risk the livelihoods of small business owners and could result in thousands of job losses and hotel closures. The AHLA calls for collaboration to support job creation and prepare for future events.

Key findings from the report include Los Angeles’ slow recovery compared to other cities, high labor costs for hotels, and the potential negative impact of legislation like the Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance. The AHLA, as the largest hotel association in America, advocates for the industry and supports workforce development programs to advance the sector.

For more information, visit www.ahla.com.