How to Attract Tourists with Smart Marketing in Los Angeles

Los Angeles isn’t just the entertainment capital of the world — it’s one of America’s top tourist destinations, drawing over 50 million visitors annually (pre-pandemic numbers). From Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame to the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica and the vibrant art scene of Downtown LA, the city’s magnetism is undeniable.

But here’s the challenge: How do you make sure your business stands out in a city bursting with attractions, dining options, and experiences competing for tourist dollars? Whether you run a boutique hotel, a trendy restaurant, a tour company, or a niche local shop, smart marketing can be the difference between being just another spot on the map and being a must-visit destination.

In this article, you’ll learn actionable marketing strategies to attract tourists to your Los Angeles business and turn them into loyal ambassadors who spread the word long after they’ve gone home.

1. Know Your Tourists: Define Your Target Audience

LA’s visitors aren’t all the same. Some come for Hollywood, others for the beaches, some for luxury shopping, some for the food scene, and many for the melting pot of cultures.

Start by asking:

• Who are your ideal tourists? Families? Solo travelers? International visitors? Influencers?
• What are they looking for? Budget-friendly experiences? Luxury? Local authenticity?
• Where do they come from? Domestic travelers from nearby states? Overseas tourists from Asia, Europe, or Latin America?

Tip: Use surveys, online reviews, and Google Analytics data to understand who your past guests were and what they loved. This insight shapes everything else.

2. Optimize Your Local SEO for Tourists

Travelers often search on Google Maps or their phones for “best taco spot near me,” “things to do in LA,” or “family-friendly hotels Los Angeles.”

To show up in these searches:

• Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
• Include high-quality photos — tourists love visuals.
• Encourage happy guests to leave Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
• Use keywords tourists actually search for: “near Hollywood,” “close to LAX,” “walking distance to Venice Beach.”
• Create blog content for your site like “5 Hidden Gems Near [Your Location].” This helps you rank for long-tail searches.

3. Leverage Social Media to Inspire Wanderlust

• Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are some of the biggest decision drivers for tourists choosing where to go, eat, and stay.
• Make your business ‘Instagrammable’. Is there a mural, rooftop view, or quirky decor element people will want to share?
• Partner with travel influencers. Many tourists trust influencers more than ads. Invite micro-influencers for a complimentary meal or stay in exchange for honest coverage.
• Use location hashtags (#LAfoodie, #DiscoverLA) to appear in searches.
• Run contests for tourists to share their experience — for example, “Post your photo at our spot and tag us to win a free dinner on your next visit!”

4. Partner with Local Tourism Networks

• Aligning with other businesses and tourism boards multiplies your reach:
• Get listed on Discover Los Angeles, the city’s official tourism site.
• Build partnerships with local tour companies. For example, hotels can partner with sightseeing buses or city tours and offer package deals.
• Collaborate with nearby businesses for cross-promotions: “Visit us and get 10% off at our neighbor’s store.”

5. Use Travel Platforms and OTAs Wisely

• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Booking.com are vital for tourists planning trips.
• Keep your listings updated and competitive.
• Reply to reviews — tourists read them!
• Offer special perks for direct bookings to encourage loyalty (free breakfast, room upgrades, etc.).
• Consider unique experiences: Airbnb Experiences is huge for travelers seeking local activities beyond big-name attractions.

6. Host Events or Experiences Tourists Will Love

Modern travelers crave memorable, local experiences.

Restaurants can offer cooking classes featuring LA’s famous cuisines (tacos, Korean BBQ, vegan trends).

Shops can host meet-the-artist pop-ups.

Hotels can organize rooftop movie nights with classic LA films.

Attractions can create behind-the-scenes tours.

Promote these experiences online and through travel blogs — unique activities make you stand out on every “Things to Do in LA” list.

7. Multilingual Marketing

Remember that a huge chunk of LA’s tourists are international. Cater to them:

Translate your website’s key pages.

Offer signage and menus in common languages like Spanish, Chinese, or Japanese.

Train staff in basic phrases or provide QR codes for translation.

8. Capture Emails & Stay Connected

Tourists may leave LA, but you can keep the connection alive:

Collect emails with a simple incentive — a discount for their next visit, or access to a local guide PDF.

Send follow-up emails with offers, updates, or loyalty perks.

Encourage them to share their photos and tag you, extending your reach to their friends and family.

Key Takeaways

• LA is massive — get specific about who you’re marketing to.
• Local SEO and online reviews are your best friends for digital discovery.
• Social media, influencers, and visual content create the buzz tourists trust.
• Partnerships with local networks multiply your exposure.
• Unique experiences convert one-time visitors into loyal fans.

Final Thoughts

The competition in Los Angeles is fierce — but the potential is huge. With smart, targeted marketing, you can tap into LA’s endless stream of visitors, create memorable experiences, and ensure your business isn’t just another dot on the map, but a highlight of someone’s California adventure.