After a spectacular closing ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games, Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass received the official Olympic flag from Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, marking the countdown to the LA28 Games.
Adam Burke, chief of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, was also in Paris to gain insights into the tourism impact and further understand the preparations ahead of 2028.
“We’re honoured to join mayor Bass to commemorate the historic handover of the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles,” said Burke.
“We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games where LA will become the third city in history – and first in the US – to host the Games a record three times, joining Paris and London on the medal stand.
“The handover raises visibility for the City of Angels as one of the true sports capitals of the world.
“Félicitations to our friends in Paris for an incredible job!”
Los Angeles is celebrating an unparalleled decade of world-class sporting events and will welcome the FIFA World Cup, NBA All-Star Game, and US Women’s Open Championship in 2026, and Super Bowl LXI in 2027, culminating with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
LA offers something for every sports fan year-round with 11 professional sports teams – the most in the United States – and some of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment venues.
The LA28 venue plan will utilize these existing stadiums as part of their sustainability efforts.
Francine Sheridan, regional vice president, Europe & ME at Los Angeles Tourism, said: “Los Angeles shined in the Olympics closing ceremony last night, and we hope the star power of Tom Cruise, as well as the showcase of LA’s iconic beaches, will entice more European visitors to the City of Angels in the coming years.
“We look forward to supporting the travel trade to help them make the most of the expected increased interest in our destination. Now the countdown to LA28 really begins!”
Sports tourism currently generates ten per cent of the world’s expenditure on tourism, with an estimated growth rate of 17.5 per cent, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism, according to UN Tourism, so tourism bosses are optimistic for a boost in visitors coming to LA to experience sports in the coming years.
