Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 02:16PM
Fabian Lewkowicz
Panelists, (left to right) California Travel Association President and CEO John Severini, Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau Chairman Ellis O'Connor and California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie discuss the economic impact of tourism and the future outlook for the city’s travel landscape during the 3RD Annual Travel & Tourism Summit at the Sheraton Delfina on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The summit was presented in partnership with neighboring destinations Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey and West Hollywood and the SMCVB.
“This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Travel and Tourism Summit is a great opportunity for us to show how far our industry has come,” said Misti Kerns, president and CEO of SMCVB. “Tourism activity supports 14.4 million jobs across the nation and generates more than 1.3 billion dollars to our city. We are thrilled to welcome a diverse group of industry leaders and associations to our summit, who collectively will strengthen the message of how critical tourism is in creating sustainable jobs and a healthy economy.”
During the summit, the results of the 2011 Santa Monica Tourism Economic Impact Study, conducted on a regular basis since 1983, was unveiled. Nominations opened for the Thelma Parks Tourism Spirit Award, which will recognize local hospitality-industry employees for their spirit and exemplary customer service.