November 28, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica’s Tourism Industry May Take Two Years to Fully Recover

Tourism officials look domestically to attract new visitors

By Dolores Quintana

It may take two years for Santa Monica’s tourism industry to fully recover, as the city looks domestically rather than internationally to attract new visitors. 

“The ‘recovery and forecast’ research shows that slow but steady growth in tourism is in progress and that the road to recovery will be fraught with challenges known and unknown,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT).

During SMTT”s annual submit, held virtually last month, officials said that Santa Monica hotels registered their highest occupancy rate since 2019 on Memorial Day, when it reached 90.5 percent, but more growth is still needed. 

“Midweek business is still needed to assist in stabilizing occupancy and conference business and international leisure needs to return before that can happen, so a full recovery is not anticipated until 2023-2024,” reads a press release from SMTT. 

In an attempt to recover their share of the tourism market, SMTT has adopted a “drive market” strategy. Rather than waiting for the market to recover on its own, they are seeking to bring tourists back by anticipating the market and the needs of those tourists through marketing research and prudent application of the research findings. 

Part of SMTT’s new strategy is looking domestically rather than internationally to attract new tourists. Santa Monica’s tourism industry was comprised of 51 percent international visitors in 2019, which fell to 24.9 percent in 2020. 

‘While increasing international visitation remains the primary objective, a steady tourism recovery in 2021 now focuses on a drive market strategy with reach into California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Florida,” SMTT said. 

At the annual summit, Lauren Schlau, President, Lauren Schlau Consulting, presented a travel outlook for Santa Monica, along with trends that are impacting domestic and international tourism. According to Schlau, the domestic visitor trend will continue into 2022 for Santa Monica, while the share of international visitors should increase starting this month, when the U.S. allows more countries to visit as reported. 

Looking to 2022, Schlau predicted rising per-capita and total spending, still well below 2019 but above 2021 levels. 

“Assumptions for 2022 include increasing demand with more international and business travel; room rates will continue to rise above the inflation rate; and no new supply in 2022 and beyond, although many properties are refurbishing, repositioning and improving product and service – this may result in some guest displacement and higher room rates, during peak periods,” SMTT said.

in News
Related Posts

Protesters Target AIPAC President’s Home in Brentwood – LAPD Investigates Possible Hate Crime

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

On Thanksgiving Morning, Two Dozen Demonstrators Caught on Camera  By Dolores Quintana On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators...

Venice Shorts: Incinerated RV Found on Main Street

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Burned out vehicles plague this exhausted neighborhood. By Nick Antonicello  The situation on the streets of Venice remains dangerous and...

Council Votes in Support of Upcoming Ballot Initiative on Mental Health Assistance

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Proposition 1 Would Utilize a $6.38 Billion Bond in Existing State Funds By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica City Council voted...

 (Video) Downtown SM Eatery Closes Its Doors

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

The Watering Hole Located at 205 Broadway Has an Inactive Website @smmirrornews The eatery, located at 205 Broadway, has an...

Renowned Architect’s Final Work Lists in Venice at Over $4M

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Celebrated for His Contributions to Modern Architecture, He Poured His Vision and Expertise Into This Creation Before His Passing in...

“Grandmother of the Internet” Sharla Boehm’s Home Lists for $5.45M

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

She Passed Away Earlier This Year Shortly After the Death of Her Husband By Zach Armstrong A five-bedroom, five-bathroom $5.45...

Burglars Apprehended After Stealing Safe From Resident

November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

Reports Indicated a Suspicious Vehicle Was Observed Leaving the Area On Nov. 21, around 12:45 PM, Santa Monica Police Department...

Venice Shorts: High School Student Athlete Makayla Cox Making a Difference!

November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

Fifteen-Year Old Founder of “Clean up the Beach” Urges Individuals to “Be Nice”  To Venice!  By Nick Antonicello Being a...

Winter Wonderland Coming to Palisades

November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

Santa Claus Photo-Ops and More By Zach Armstrong Lighting of the tree, strolling entertainment, and more is hitting Pacific Palisades...

(Video) The Reimagined 1212 Santa Monica On Third Street Promenade

November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

 New American Italian Ristorante Featuring New Executive Chef Oliver Malmsten, All New Menu, Italian-Inspired Cocktails and Discoteca. @smmirrornews The Reimagined...

Thanksgiving Feast Happening at Santa Monica’s Terrazza Lounge

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

The Menu Boasts Highlights Such as Roasted Cinderella Squash Soup Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, located at 1910...

Promenade Restaurant Undergoes Transformation

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

Its New Executive Chef Brings Over Two Decades of Culinary Expertise From Michelin-Starred Restaurants Twelve Twelve Santa Monica has unveiled...

Description of Potential Subject of Interest in I-10 Freeway Fire Has Been Released

November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

CAL-Fire Asks For Help From the Public To Identify Subject By Dolores Quintana As the investigation of the fire that...

(Video) Christmas Tree Lights Up on Promenade

November 20, 2023

November 20, 2023

Christmas festivities are underway in downtown Santa Monica This video is brought to you by Santa Monica Place. @smmirrornews The holidays...

Film Review: What Happens Later

November 20, 2023

November 20, 2023

FILM REVIEWWHAT HAPPENS LATERRated R105 MinutesReleased November 3rd This movie surprised me. I expected a light, puffy relationship romp but...