Daily Reports
Los Angeles Hosts the 55th Edition of IPW, Boosts International Tourism
The golden beaches and green hills of Los Angeles played host to the 55th edition of the International Pow Wow (IPW), the most significant tourism fair in the United States, from May 3 to 7. This year's event saw a 20% increase in delegates, with over 5,700 attendees, including 2,000 international and media buyers from nearly 70 countries. The event is essential for showcasing destinations and services, generating future travel worth $5.5 billion to the United States.
Chris Thompson, the outgoing president and CEO of Brand USA, emphasized the resilience and growth of international travel. He highlighted how IPW not only fosters valuable connections and knowledge exchange but also acts as an economic catalyst. Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization, participated in over 700 meetings with national and international entities, aiming to boost inbound international visits.
During 2023, the United States welcomed nearly 67 million visitors, who spent $13 billion on travel and tourism-related activities. Projections for 2027 indicate that the country will receive 90 million visitors annually, with spending reaching $279 billion. This growth trajectory aligns with the objectives outlined in the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy.
Brand USA aims to capitalize on major global events taking place in the United States over the next four years, including the Copa América 2024, WorldPride in Washington DC, the Route 66 Centennial, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. These events are expected to attract millions of new travelers, further boosting the country's tourism industry.
Setbacks for Germany in Bidding for the 2027 Women's World Cup
In other tourism and event-related news, Germany faced a setback in its bid to co-host the 2027 Women's World Cup. The joint application by Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands was rejected in favor of Brazil. Despite an impressive presentation at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Brazil's bid was rated slightly higher in the FIFA evaluation report.
The European trio's plan was to hold the tournament in up to 13 cities, with the opening game in Amsterdam and the final in Dortmund. However, FIFA cited 'legal risks' in the European application, affecting its overall rating. Brazil will now host the Women's World Cup in South America for the first time in history.
While Germany may have lost the bid for the Women's World Cup, anticipation is high for the upcoming men's European Championships in 2024. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has already named his squad, and the tournament is set to begin on June 14th, 2024. This major event is expected to draw significant international attention and boost tourism in Germany.
- Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse attractions and vibrant culture, served as the perfect backdrop for the IPW 2024. Key events were held at iconic locations such as the Getty Center, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Orlando also saw growth as it received 6.13 million international visitors in 2023, with new attractions announced at major theme parks, including the opening of 'Lego Ferrari Build & Race' at Legoland and 'Tiana's Bayou' in Disney World. Universal Orlando Resort plans to debut its largest daytime parade, the Universal Mega Movie Parade, and the new Universal Epic Universe theme park by 2025.
