Mayor Villaraigosa Helps Launch 'Visit Hollywood 2010'

LOS ANGELES, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, joined City Council President Eric Garcetti, City Councilmember Tom LaBonge and leaders of the Hollywood hospitality and tourism industries, and launched the new "Visit Hollywood 2010" program today, celebrating landmark anniversaries, the opening of new attractions, the introduction of new and remodeled hotels and the introduction of two new websites offering discounts and special offers to visitors, all kicking off with this evening's Hollywood Chamber of Commerce "Visit Hollywood Expo" at the Hilton Los Angeles at Universal City.

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"Hollywood is one of L.A.'s great gems and for generations it has been a magnet for visitors from all over the world,'' said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "With the recent resurgence of this timeless locale, there has never been a better time to visit Los Angeles and experience all the attractions Hollywood has to offer.''

"With the addition of the new W Hotel, Madame Tussauds, and so much more, now is the perfect time to visit Hollywood," said Council President Eric Garcetti, who represents parts of Hollywood. "There's something for people of all ages here, and we invite everyone to come check it out."

Hollywood's attractions, hotels and restaurants, supported by LA INC., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, have joined to celebrate a year of "Visit Hollywood 2010," coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 75th Anniversary of Starline Tours, the recent opening of Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the 25th Anniversary of the music world's landmark, Rock Walk, and the introduction of the world's largest 3-D experience, the new "King Kong 360 3-D" Created by Peter Jackson attraction and the reopening of new sets and film locations on Universal's backlot. The "Visit Hollywood 2010" program features many Hollywood businesses that will be offering special discounts throughout the year.  Vacation information, discounts and travel packages are available on two websites, www.ExperienceHollywood.com and the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

As the Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has plans for a yearlong series of celebrations. The idea of creating the Walk of Fame was first conceived in 1953 and seven years later construction began on February 8, 1960. Today it is recognized around the world as a monument to the entertainment industry and draws scores of visitors each year who walk the Walk, taking photos of their favorite stars. Installation ceremonies offer visitors an opportunity to see the entertainment world's most famous personalities in person.

This summer at Universal Studios Hollywood hearts will pound and survival instincts will go into overload as visitors are caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a giant T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong. "King Kong 360 3-D" Created by Peter Jackson is the largest, most intense 3-D experience on the planet. Coupled with the re-imagined Universal backlot, featuring new and newly reconstructed sets for a new generation of moviemakers, the studio tour is now in high definition and offers a once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experience.

Since 1935, Starline Tours has been providing the original sightseeing tours of Hollywood and Los Angeles. The Movie Stars Homes Tour and the Grand Tour of Los Angeles are best-sellers, followed by the Universal Studios Tour and the new hop-on, hop-off Double Decker fun tour which allows guests to conveniently explore Hollywood without the encumbrance of a car.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood will unveil a series of new celebrity figures in 2010 and brings you face to face with more than 120 celebrity lifelike wax figures on replica backdrops of Hollywood's most iconic films - from the Silver Screen to the Golden era, Crime to Westerns, Action Legends to Super Heroes. This Hollywood hotspot is the only attraction where you can get up close and personal, not only touching, but also taking souvenir pictures with your favorite stars. Situated next to Grauman's Theatre, it is the ultimate celebrity experience.

Founded in 1985, The Guitar Center Hollywood's RockWalk was created to honor the legends of the music world who have made a lasting and important contribution to music.

The Kodak Theatre, which opened in 2001 on Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue, where the historic Hollywood Hotel once stood, is now home of the Oscars®.

Another significant milestone is the 70th anniversary of the Hollywood Palladium, which first opened October 31, 1940 with a concert by Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The landmark theater recently re-opened following an extensive, multi-million dollar renovation and again serves as a center of Hollywood's vibrant nightlife.

Offering opulent accommodations befitting Tinseltown's mystique is the all-new W Hollywood Hotel, which adds 305 luxurious rooms to Hollywood's line-up of all-star hotels. The glamour and excitement of the world's movie making capital comes to life at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel & Spa, while the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel captures all the charm of yesteryear coupled with all the fabulous comforts of today. The Universal Sheraton, once home to Telly Savalas, still lives up to its moniker as the "Hotel of the Stars," while the neighboring Universal Hilton offers spectacular views of the storied Hollywood Hills. Finally, the Hollywood Heights Hotel boasts a contemporary yet casual vibe, where signature touches and an independent spirit caters to individuality.

The Pantages Theater, located steps from the fairytale intersection of Hollywood & Vine, turns 80 years old in 2010. First opened as part of the Fox Theatre chain, the beloved landmark now plays host to award-winning Broadway hits and serves as a favorite shooting location for television shows, movies and music videos.

Numerous fashionable bars, clubs, and popular retail businesses have opened in the area, returning Hollywood to its place as the center of nightlife in Los Angeles.

Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard, scheduled to open Summer 2010, will be a state-of-the-art facility encompassing more than 20,000 square feet of premier dining and live concert space.

At nearby Universal CityWalk, Los Angeles' premiere outdoor shopping and restaurant promenade adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, film and former "Saturday Night Live" star Jon Lovitz opened a new comedy club, with many of his famous friends occasionally stopping by to try out new material.

Signs of Hollywood's renaissance are everywhere. Many older Hollywood buildings have been converted to lofts and condominiums and visitors to Hollywood will feel they're in the midst of a bustling, creative community.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's mission is to promote and enhance the business, cultural and civic well-being of Hollywood. The membership consists of owners, managers, presidents and other key representatives from a spectrum of businesses and organizations around the Hollywood community.

LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city government, LA INC. is recognized as the city's official tourism marketing organization.  

SOURCE LA INC.