When in LA, Ernest Wooden Jr recommends enjoying an experience that's unique & 100% free
Last year, Los Angeles welcomed 50 million visitors for the first time.
By Glynda Alves, ET Bureau | Updated:
Agencies
Ernest Wooden Jr, president, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board on what the single best thing you can do in Los Angeles.
Last year, the City of Angels welcomed 50 million visitors for the first time. ETPanache spoke to Ernest Wooden Jr, president, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board about why he loves the city. For him, it’s the people and inclusivity that makes LA the tolerant and vibrant hub where you can just be yourself. Wooden Jr recalls how a woman wanted to come to LA just to wear a big hat, something she couldn’t do in her own hometown.
Free for all
He laughs and shares, “She just wanted to wear a big hat and that’s LA for you.” Wooden Jr knows the city inside out and so we asked him what is his ultimate favourite thing to do in LA? His answer: Something that’s unique and 100% free. He says, “Between Alaska and the Baha Peninsula there are about 900 sperm whale that travel twice a year down that route and pass Los Angeles. You can literally sit on the beach and you will see the whales come by and you know they are coming because the dolphins kind of hang out around there. I’ll go down on Sunday morning and watch the whales. It’s a one of a kind thing. And it costs nothing.”
The new Henley Passport Index is out, and there has been a major shuffle in the global ranking of the world's passports.
In the beginning of 2019, 27 countries were in the top 10 positions on the index, but this month 4 more countries were added to the list.
Several countries climbed the list to have most powerful passports, while few slipped from their positions, including India.
The ranking is determined on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It is based on the exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.
Here's a look at all the top ranking passports of this year.
Last year, the City of Angels welcomed 50 million visitors for the first time. ETPanache spoke to Ernest Wooden Jr, president, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board about why he loves the city. For him, it’s the people and inclusivity that makes LA the tolerant and vibrant hub where you can just be yourself. Wooden Jr recalls how a woman wanted to come to LA just to wear a big hat, something she couldn’t do in her own hometown.
Free for all
He laughs and shares, “She just wanted to wear a big hat and that’s LA for you.” Wooden Jr knows the city inside out and so we asked him what is his ultimate favourite thing to do in LA? His answer: Something that’s unique and 100% free. He says, “Between Alaska and the Baha Peninsula there are about 900 sperm whale that travel twice a year down that route and pass Los Angeles. You can literally sit on the beach and you will see the whales come by and you know they are coming because the dolphins kind of hang out around there. I’ll go down on Sunday morning and watch the whales. It’s a one of a kind thing. And it costs nothing.”
In the beginning of 2019, 27 countries were in the top 10 positions on the index, but this month 4 more countries were added to the list.
Several countries climbed the list to have most powerful passports, while few slipped from their positions, including India.
The ranking is determined on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It is based on the exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.
Here's a look at all the top ranking passports of this year.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
