Please visit: Los Angeles’ plea to Australian travellers after the fires

The best way to help the city after January’s fires is to visit - and this Los Angeles local has the lowdown on what to expect when you arrive in the City of Angels. 

Two months after the September 11 attacks that brought down the Twin Towers, I got a call from my father. “Let’s go to New York,” he said, “and spend some money.” Never one to miss a chance to help my father allocate his funds, I enthusiastically accepted, and off we went. I will never forget that trip. Both for the opportunity to see for myself what had been blanketed across every TV screen in the world, but, far more, for the genuine gratitude and warmth we were greeted with everywhere we went.

You’ve heard about the terrible fires that ripped through Pacific Palisades and Altadena in Los Angeles, my home town. Seen photos of the devastation left behind, and heard a handful of the thousands of heartbreaking stories of those who lost it all. While – from a distance – I understand it might appear LA is now a shadow of its former self, destined to limp along for years before it regains its footing, I’m (literally) here to tell you: that simply is not true.

Sunset at Manhattan Beach Pier, Los Angeles.

All of our most iconic attractions remain fully operational. The beautiful waters of Catalina Island and Manhattan Beach continue to welcome sunbathers and surfers. The legendary studios of Hollywood and Universal City still offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie magic. And the cultural institutions of Downtown and Museum Row remain ready to impress with their eclectic and artistic treasures. Our renowned food scene – from gourmet restaurants to our famous food trucks – is ready to fill your belly, and the shopping districts of Rodeo Drive, The Grove, and Third Street Promenade are equally ready to deplete your savings.

LA is still here. Still everything it’s always been. And very much open for business.

Tourism is the lifeblood of more than a thousand businesses throughout our city, many of which are owned by the same community members hit by the fires. Now they all face a punishing drop in business because a great many people believe the best thing they can do is stay away so we can get on with the clean-up. These tour companies, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues rely heavily on international visitors.

Avalon Harbour on Catalina Island, off the Californian coast.

In fact, visiting LA in the aftermath of these events may provide Australian travellers with certain advantages. For instance, as the southern hemisphere enters autumn, LA is opening the door to spring, which means a steady stream of warm days and pleasant evenings. Meanwhile, those misconceptions about the fires’ impact have led to temporarily reduced tourist numbers, meaning shorter lines at attractions and easier reservations at popular restaurants.

But, most importantly, Australians who choose to experience LA now will participate in our recovery in a truly meaningful way. Tourism dollars flow directly into local economies, supporting the livelihoods of those working to rebuild, and your presence here represents a welcome vote of confidence in our resilience.

Los Angeles' Hollywood Boulevard is home to the Walk of Fame.

The scars of the recent fires will take time to heal. But the spirit of LA remains intact. Our diverse communities, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty continue to shine as bright as ever.

My own office in Santa Monica is less than 4km from the burn zone in Pacific Palisades. Close enough for me to feel the sorrow many of you may also be feeling for the fire victims on an acute level. And yet, just yesterday, I looked out my window and watched the sun sink behind the palms and dissolve into the Pacific, painting the sky in colours so beautiful all I could do was stare.

Please come and see for yourself.

And know you will make us all very happy by simply being here with us to experience the authentic, thriving Los Angeles that exists beyond the headlines.

Originally published as Please visit: Los Angeles’ plea to Australian travellers after the fires