Los Angeles Tourism has thanked the UK trade for its support in growing sales as it marks 25 years of partnership.

The London office was opened in 1999 to support UK and Ireland travel trade, media and industry partners. Its remit also covers the whole of Europe and the Middle East.

Francine Sheridan, regional vice president, Europe and Middle East, joined 25 years to launch the London office.

Celebrating the 25 years of partnership with the UK and Irish travel trade, she said: “I am proud of all we have achieved in the last 25 years, growing visitor numbers, length of stay and direct air service from the UK and Ireland to Los Angeles.

“On behalf of the team, I want to thank all our travel trade, media and industry partners for their enduring support. We truly could not do it without them.”

The London team recently appointed Nadine Agius as co-ordinator for administration and marketing. She joins the existing team, including travel trade director Hayley French and European communications manager Lisa Preece.

Kathy Smits, senior vice president, global tourism development, Los Angeles Tourism, said: “Congratulations to the London office on their 25th anniversary. Los Angeles Tourism has consistently supported our international markets, choosing to employ in-house teams in our key markets, and the local expertise of our regional offices hugely benefits our strategic planning.”

Next month LA will host more than 100 travel trade professionals and 50 media from the UK and Ireland at US Travel’s IPW.