Los Angeles is entering a transformative phase with major infrastructure upgrades, new hotel developments, cultural attractions, and global sporting events on the horizon. As the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is strengthening its appeal for international travellers.
Already recognised for its entertainment industry, cultural diversity, coastline, and culinary scene, Los Angeles is investing heavily in transportation, accommodation, and visitor experiences to accommodate growing tourism demand in the years ahead.
Infrastructure upgrades reshape accessibility
At the centre of the city’s transformation is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which welcomed nearly 77 million passengers in 2024 and serves more than 120 US cities and 82 international destinations through 72 airlines.
Recent and upcoming infrastructure developments include the opening of the LAX Metro Connector, which links airport terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Centre Station, and the planned SkyLink electric train system, scheduled for 2026, connecting terminals, Metro services, and rental car facilities. The city is also advancing broader public transport enhancements, including the Metro D Line Subway Expansion and improvements along Hollywood Boulevard.
Hotel pipeline gathers momentum
Los Angeles currently offers nearly 1,400 hotels and more than 115,000 guest rooms, with an additional 2,000 rooms expected from 18 hotel projects under development by 2027.
Recent additions include Kins Hotel in Koreatown, Whisky Hotel in Hollywood, Olivia Hotel in Westwood, Regent Santa Monica Beach, and the renovated Hilton Garden Inn LAX. Upcoming projects include Hotel Lucile, Jordan San Gabriel, Mama Shelter Downtown LA, Pan Am Hotel, Kali Hotel Hollywood Park, Aman Beverly Hills, and Venice Place.
Culture, entertainment, and immersive attractions
The city is also expanding its cultural landscape with several new attractions. Planned openings and developments include Meow Wolf in Culver City, the Museum of Ice Cream’s expanded flagship location, Dataland, Destination Crenshaw, West Harbor, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is also progressing with its expansion project featuring the David Geffen Galleries.
For families and entertainment seekers, Universal Studios Hollywood is expected to launch the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster in 2026, while the city’s culinary credentials continue to grow following the recognition of its first three-star Michelin restaurants and the ongoing Dine LA Restaurant Week programme.
Sports drive global attention
Los Angeles is set to host a series of major sporting events over the next few years. The city will stage matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium, welcome the NBA All-Star Game in 2026 at Intuit Dome, host Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and subsequently welcome athletes and spectators from around the world for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These events are expected to further elevate the city’s profile among international leisure and sports travellers.
Beyond Hollywood
While film and entertainment remain central to Los Angeles’ identity, the destination continues to diversify its tourism offerings through studio tours at Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Studio, alongside outdoor experiences including cycling tours, hiking trails, and horseback riding near the Hollywood Sign.
The city also offers extensive shopping experiences, ranging from Beverly Center and Citadel Outlets to The Grove, Manhattan Village, Ovation Hollywood, and Westfield Century City. Its museum portfolio spans more than 475 institutions, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The Broad, Getty Center, GRAMMY Museum, Griffith Observatory, California Science Center, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
As Los Angeles prepares for a decade-defining period of growth and global events, the destination is positioning itself as more than an entertainment capital — evolving into a multifaceted tourism hub with expanded infrastructure, new experiences, and year-round appeal for international visitors.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.