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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Summer Tourist Attractions to Boost Valley Economy

Summer tourism is kicking into high gear. Valley area hotels may see a big gain, thanks to several hot, new thrill attractions debuting this summer at Universal Studios Hollywood and Magic Mountain, as well as a rare Disney archives exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library. PKF Consulting in Los Angeles expects Los Angeles County’s hotel occupancy rates will increase to 76.9 percent this year, the highest rate since 2007, and average daily room rates will rise 5.3 percent to $173.37. While Valley area hotels recently have seen an uptick in business-related stays, they sure could use the boost in leisure business, which largely has remained stagnant since the recession hit. And if the hotels are full, than restaurants and malls — of which the Valley has too many to count — will be booming, too. It’ll be like Christmas in July! It’s important to our economy that we keep our tourists happy and digging into their wallets. About one in 10 jobs in the greater Los Angeles area depends on the tourism industry, according to the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. So while traffic on the weekends may be a bit nightmarish around Universal Studios and it may take you even longer than normal to find parking at the Glendale Galleria, the tourists should be welcomed by one and all. Jobs depend on it. In fact, all of us should do our part to boost our Valley’s economy this summer. Be a tourist in your own town. See if “Transformers: The Ride 3D” is what it’s cracked up to be and make the drive to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley to see “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.” It contains 500 pieces spanning the history of the Disney company, including some iconic costumes, props, models and set pieces from its theme parks and films. Half the items have never been on public display. On my ‘to do’ list is a visit to Magic Mountain. This past month, our Editorial department took a road trip to the Santa Clarita Valley, and I got a glimpse of the park and its rollercoasters from the freeway. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie who is starting to mellow with age, so while I’ll ride a coaster in the front seat with my hands up, there is no way I’d be convinced to ride the “Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom.” I’ll get my kicks out of hearing the screams as they drop from a structure that’s 40 stories high at a speed of 85 miles an hour.

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