The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is stepping up its promotion efforts in the Asia Pacific region. Craig Gibbons will oversee these efforts, adding Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to his areas of responsibility.
Since 2014, Gibbons had been the organization’s regional director for its Australia / New Zealand program, operating out of its Sydney office. In his newly expanded role, he will develop and support air service for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); design a robust destination training program for the travel trade utilizing the L.A. Insider program; and attend key industry trade shows in the region. His new job title is regional director, Oceania and Southeast Asia.
Prior to joining Los Angeles Tourism, Gibbons was the commercial and trade executive, Southeast Asia and Australia for Visit Britain and held the role of Australia country manager for Visit Indonesia.
In a written statement Kathryn Smits, vice president, tourism for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board said that Southeast Asia continues to be an expanding source market for the United States, and that the city is looking to increase and support airlift from the region.
Worldwide, Southeast Asia represents the third-largest travel market. In 2018, Los Angeles welcomed 130,800 visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, a 5 percent year-over-year growth.
Through Los Angeles Tourism’s hybrid approach of full time-staff-operated international offices and market representation, the destination now serves fifteen markets.
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