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Visitors Contribute $750 Million to the Irvine Economy In 2018

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Destination Irvine released statistics from the 2018 Visitor Impact report conducted specifically for Irvine by Dean Runyan Associates. The report indicates Irvine visitor spending increases a record 21 percent year over year. In 2018, traveler expenditures for Irvine came to an estimated $750 million, an increase of 20.8 percent over 2017, far exceeding the rate of growth in preceding years due to increased visitation. The travel industry contributed $47.8 million in local and state taxes. “Destination Irvine’s marketing and sales initiatives play a strategic role in bringing more than one million visitors, whether conference attendees, leisure travelers, or those attending a...

Irvine’s First Michelin-Star Restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, to Open at Diamond Jamboree

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

International dim sum specialists Tim Ho Wan will open their first-ever California location at Irvine’s Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center in May. The 129-seat restaurant will be the first in the U.S. to offer a takeout window in addition to a full-service, dine-in restaurant. What began 10 years ago as a humble, 20-seat restaurant in Hong Kong has become a worldwide sensation known for authentic Cantonese dim sum in modern, convivial surroundings. Founded by chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung in 2009, the original Hong Kong location earned a Michelin star within its first year of operation and gained a...

Destination Irvine Takes Gold in Hermes Creative Awards

Friday, April 19, 2019

Destination Irvine received a Gold Award from Hermes Creative Awards for the organization’s meeting-focused video “Meet in Irvine, CA.” The meetings-focused video was produced to showcase the destination’s assets to meeting planners. The organization’s 2018-2019 Irvine Visitors Guide received an Honorable Mention. Hermes Creative Awards is an international awards competition for creative professionals involved in concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media; and recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals. Over 6,000 entries from throughout the U.S., Canada and dozens of other countries were received in this year’s competition. The awards are...

Destination Irvine’s AnaLaura Becerra Elected to Meeting Professionals International Orange County Board of Directors

Monday, April 15, 2019

AnaLaura Becerra, director of sales for Destination Irvine, has been elected to the Meeting Professionals International Orange County (MPIOC) board of directors for 2019-2020. Becerra holds travel industry designations, Certified Meeting Professional and Certified Travel Ambassador. As director of member recruitment for MPIOC, she will help advance the organization’s growth and influence within the industry. “Serving on the MPIOC board of directors provides an excellent opportunity to build relationships with travel professionals and share professional development opportunities in the industry,” Becerra said. “Being elected to the board demonstrates that Destination Irvine is a leading destination marketing organization.” MPIOC is a community that is...

Destination Irvine Recognizes Hotel Employee as Part of the Spirit of Hospitality Award

Friday, April 05, 2019

Leticia Johnson, kitchen supervisor, Hilton Irvine, is the third quarter recipient of Destination Irvine’s hospitality employee recognition program. Johnson was nominated for her creative ideas and additions she has made to the hotel’s menus. Johnson takes great pride in her work and ensures that no dish leaves the kitchen unless it looks perfect. In addition to taking care of the hotel guests, she is also responsible for making the food that is served to the hotel’s staff in the cafeteria. Since she took over this responsibility, the quality and selection of food has vastly improved. The Spirit of Hospitality Award recognizes...

Destination Irvine Generates Nearly $12 Million in Hotel Revenue

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Destination Irvine has generated nearly $12 million in hotel revenue year-to-date for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, with four months still to go. The total revenue generated is a combination of direct group sales and marketing campaigns conducted by the Greater Irvine Chamber’s destination marketing organization. Direct group sales efforts have brought in more than $5 million in revenue, and filled more than 22,800 room nights for meetings groups, sports events, leisure visitors, and business travelers. Destination Irvine this year launched several marketing campaigns, a CBS social influencer and digital campaign, Orange County joint marketing Expedia campaigns, and for the first time, an...

Irvine’s Travel Attractions Featured in Houston Family Magazine

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

As featured in Houston Family Magazine, a publication highlighting events, articles, and information for Houston kids and their families. When you think of Southern California, more famously known as Orange County, Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort and Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm may come to mind. However, there is so much more to see and do whether you are interested in oceanfront parks, surfing, shopping or trying out some thriller amusement park rides. Irvine encompasses 66 square miles and features some of the best outdoor recreation, family activities, shopping, dining, sports facilities and meeting venues in California. If you would prefer to stay in...

Irvine is an Active Person's Dream, Says Seattle Refined

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Irvine’s preserved natural lands, miles of hiking and biking trails, and its world-class sports complex at the Orange County Great Park make the city an ideal destination for an active traveler, according to Seattle Refined. The online news publication highlighted popular outdoor activities within the city including the top-rated Quail Hill trail, and Bommer Canyon trail. While laying on a beach all day is definitely relaxing, perhaps you're the type of vacationer who likes to break a sweat during their PTO. Active vacations are becoming more and more popular, and if you're looking to shake up your routine in 2019, a...

Destination Irvine Promotes City’s Sports Assets at America’s Most Unique Sports Trade Show

Monday, February 04, 2019

Dave Lucey, director of sports sales for Destination Irvine, in January met with more than 20 organizations, including USA Volleyball, USA Rugby, and International Slow-pitch Softball, during one-on-one appointments and networking opportunities at the third annual Sports Express trade show held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Unlike other sports industry conferences, the week-long Sports Express trade show is centered on maximizing attendees’ interactions with the industry’s most active sports planners. Lucey works to promote Irvine’s sports facilities, including those at the Orange County Great Park, to attract major sports tournaments and events worldwide. During the first six months of the 2018-2019 fiscal year, he...

Destination Irvine Recognizes Hotel Employee as Part of the New Spirit of Irvine Hospitality Award Program

Monday, October 29, 2018

Sobha Mendis, guest services representative for the Irvine Marriott, is the first recipient of Destination Irvine’s hospitality employee recognition program. Mendis was nominated by Kandee Anderson, general manager, Irvine Marriott, because she received the JW Marriott Award of Excellence in 2017 and she is consistently recognized by guests for her outstanding service and personalized connections. The Spirit of Hospitality Award recognizes back-of-house and front-of-house hospitality professionals who deliver exceptional experiences daily. Winners in this category are those who exhibit exemplary behavior in workplace knowledge, customer service, problem-solving, relationship building, and creating a warm welcome for visitors. The award recognizes individuals who...

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