Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is deepening its foothold in the India market with the appointment of Seema Kadam as it’s first-ever regional director in India. In 2018, Los Angeles welcomed 130,000 visitors from India, an increase of 5.1% year-over-year making India the third highest year-over-year international growth market for Los Angeles.

In her role, Kadam will develop and support air service for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); spearhead strategic travel trade engagement including the implementation of a robust training programme, using the LA Insider Programme; and attend key industry trade shows in the region.

“We established a travel trade presence in India several years ago through Sartha Marketing, who introduced Los Angeles to the industry. The time is now right to deepen our engagement. India holds such vast potential for Los Angeles and appointing a full-time, regional director to oversee all of our tourism activity is a natural evolution of our commitment to the market,” stated Kathryn Smits, vice president of tourism for Los Angeles Tourism.