Los Angeles is formalizing the link between its entertainment industry and its tourism economy through the launch of "Go Vacation on Location." This video series, developed by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board in collaboration with Expedia, moves away from traditional sightseeing to focus on "set-jetting"—the growing global trend of travelers visiting destinations featured in film and television.

Unlike standard tour guides, the series utilizes professional Hollywood location managers. These experts provide technical insight into why specific sites were chosen for production and how those environments shape the narrative of a story. By shifting the focus to the creative process, the initiative transforms passive sightseeing into an educational experience regarding cinematic production.

The program targets three primary geographic hubs within the city:

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) The series highlights the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Location manager Tristan Daoussis, whose portfolio includes La La Land and Jumanji: Open World, leads the exploration of the district’s architecture and cultural venues.

Venice Beach Focusing on the intersection of coastal tourism and screen heritage, location manager Kelly Harris—known for Bel-Air and Melrose Place—showcases the Venice Boardwalk and the area's artistic communities.

San Fernando Valley To push tourism beyond the Hollywood core, location manager Scott Trimble, associated with Transformers and Star Trek, begins his tour at the Valley Relics Museum to highlight the suburban landscapes used in major productions.

Key Facts Breakdown

  • Partnership: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Expedia.
  • Core Strategy: "Set-jetting" (traveling to locations seen on screen).
  • Featured Experts:
    • Tristan Daoussis (La La Land, Jumanji: Open World)
    • Kelly Harris (Bel-Air, Melrose Place)
    • Scott Trimble (Transformers, Star Trek)
  • Primary Hubs: Downtown LA (Millennium Biltmore Hotel), Venice Beach, and San Fernando Valley (Valley Relics Museum).

Why This Matters

From a logistical perspective, this shift indicates that "traditional" landmarks are no longer sufficient to drive high-value tourism. The real impact here is the democratization of the city map. By promoting the San Fernando Valley and specific DTLA blocks, the city is actively diverting foot traffic away from over-saturated tourist traps and spreading economic impact into residential and suburban neighborhoods.

Our analysis of this trend suggests that "Information Gain" for the traveler is the new currency. Modern tourists do not want a scripted history; they want "insider" access. By using location managers instead of tour guides, Los Angeles is selling expertise and access, which justifies higher spending and longer stays.

Industry Outlook

Expect a surge in "niche-mapping" apps and integrated booking tools. As Expedia partners with local tourism boards for this series, the next logical step is the integration of "Film-Location Packages" directly into booking engines—allowing users to book a hotel specifically because it is within walking distance of a featured filming site. This marks a transition from general city tourism to narrative-driven itinerary planning.

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