Chinese tourists top visitor numbers to LA

Los Angeles received a record number of overseas visitors in 2013, with China topping the list for country of origin, according to recent data released by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and Ernest Wooden Jr, president and CEO of the LA Tourism and Convention Board.

Los Angeles welcomed 6.2 million international visitors, setting a new record. As the city's biggest overseas market, China had a year-over-year growth of more than 21 percent in the number of visits.

Last summer, the board opened an office in Shanghai, its second in China after Beijing. With the two offices covering the developed region of China, the board will continue to cultivate the promising Chinese market in the hope of drawing more tourists.

Los Angeles' hotel occupancy and hotel room nights sold in 2013 also reached new records of 76.8 percent and 27.2 million room nights.

In 2013, the LA Tourism and Convention Board sought to expand tourism markets in China, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, with a focus on destination promotions centering on the city's festivals and events.

Its success can be attributed to the board's ongoing marketing efforts with tourism partners and coordinated improvements in public infrastructure.

Los Angeles has emerged as a leading global tourist destination, Wooden said, and is looking forward to growing its Chinese market.