The US Travel Association’s annual mega tourism summit, IPW – held in partnership with Premier Sponsor Brand USA – kicked off in grand style this morning in Los Angeles with a takeover event held at the Getty Center in the foothills of the Brentwood area of LA.

Los Angeles is on the move and that’s good news for visitors who want a luxury experience with no less than nine big name hotels due to open in the next few years, along with a slew of new cultural and dining options and a major upgrading of LAX that promises shorter queues and faster entry through Customs and Immigration.

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has announced an expanded role for its Regional Director, Australia/New Zealand, Craig Gibbons, who will now oversee Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The tool has been designed to help Australian travel trade better sell the city and stay up-to-date with its latest offerings.