With a post-pandemic mission of enticing and increasing Aussie and Kiwi visitors back to its golden shores, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism have appointed Sydney-based GTI to help drive its sales and marketing activity with trade and consumers.
A longtime favourite with Aussies and Kiwis and often considered the starting point after firstly landing at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), the premier beach-city destination represents the essence of the California lifestyle, with vibrant, eclectic communities and sparkling views across the Pacific Ocean.
With more than 280-days of sunshine per year; 5.6 kilometres of glistening coastline; 41 hotels including beachfront, award-winning and historical landmarks; a bustling arts and culture scene; laid-back beach atmosphere with big city sophistication; eight neighbourhoods offering a diverse mix of shopping, dining and entertainment, and famed attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier, it’s easy to see why it’s always been such a hit.
Effective immediately, GTI will promote Santa Monica working closely with the travel trade industry through destination training – building awareness of the Santa Monica California STAR program, product development, event participation, and cooperative marketing campaigns.
Additionally, GTI will assist with MICE and direct-to-consumer activity to showcase the iconic destination in market.
“We are very excited to return to the Australian and New Zealand markets, to engage closely with our valued travel trade and industry colleagues and drive long-haul visitation to Santa Monica in 2023 and beyond,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
“In 2019, international visitors accounted for 51% of our tourism industry. One of our primary objectives is to bring back international travel to Santa Monica, which is crucial to our overall recovery process, and as part of this strategy we look forward to welcoming back Aussie and Kiwi travellers to experience Santa Monica and all that it has to offer first-hand.”
Santa Monica will kick off activity in the region by attending the Visit USA Expos in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and Brand USA’s Australia & New Zealand B2B-Day to connect with the travel trade, wholesaler and industry partners in Sydney and Auckland, positioning Santa Monica as the best place to stay and play in California.
Kate Cuthbertson, Account Director at GTI, is the key industry contact for Santa Monica Travel & Tourism in Australia and New Zealand.
For more on Santa Monica, head to www.santamonica.com
