TravelManagers experience Santa Monica ahead of Route 66 centenary, FIFA World Cup and LA 2028 Olympics
Late last year, two senior leaders from TravelManagers along with one of their personal travel managers (PTMs) spent four days in Santa Monica as guests of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, exploring why this iconic coastal destination is capturing renewed attention from Australian travellers ahead of major global events.
With 2026 marking the centenary of Route 66, the FIFA World Cup coming to Los Angeles, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the city hosting the 2028 Olympics, Santa Monica’s luxury accommodation and proximity to LA’s major venues position it as an ideal base for Australian visitors.
Tania Myles, Marketing Manager at TravelManagers, Troy Coelho, Operations Manager and PTM Angela Bowerman conducted site inspections at eight premium properties including the newly transformed Oceana Santa Monica LXR Hotels & Resorts, landmark beachfront hotels Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, newly opened Regent Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, historic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Monica, and Huntley Santa Monica Beach.
The group experienced Santa Monica’s active lifestyle with a private cycling tour with Bikes & Hikes along the coast and explored the culinary scene with dinner at local favourite FIG. They also attended the LA Wine & Food Festival and visited the historic Santa Monica Pier, the official endpoint of Route 66, where they watched travellers marking their journey’s end.
AU TravelManagers at Regent Santa Monica Beach. (L-R) Liz Koonz (Senior Group Sales Manager, Regent Santa Monica Beach), Troy Coelho, Tania Myles and Ange Bowerman.
Tania Myles, Marketing Manager at TravelManagers, said the visit reinforced Santa Monica’s appeal as the ideal luxury stopover for Australian clients travelling to major events in Los Angeles.
‘We’re seeing growing interest from Australian clients seeking a luxury option to rest and refresh after the long-haul flight and this visit showed us exactly why Santa Monica delivers on that. The variety of premium accommodation options, from newly transformed properties to iconic beachfront hotels, mean there’s something for every client preference,’ Myles said.
‘We watched travellers marking their “end of Route 66” journey at the Pier. With the route’s 100th birthday in 2026, plus the World Cup and Olympics, we’re expecting significant Australian interest in Santa Monica as a luxury base for these once-in-a-generation events. Being just 19 kilometres from SoFi Stadium and convenient to LA’s Olympic venues, with world-class dining and that California coastal lifestyle, it’s perfectly positioned.’
Pictured: AU TravelManagers at LA Food and Wine Festival (L-R): Aleksandr Sigalus (Santa Monica Travel & Tourism representative), Ange Bowerman, Lisa Harrison (AU/NZ Signature Travel Network), Troy Coelho, Tania Myles and Octavia Lee (Director of Corporate & Leisure Sales Huntley Santa Monica Beach)
Misti Kerns, President & CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, said hosting the TravelManagers team was an opportunity to showcase what makes Santa Monica an ideal destination for international visitors.
‘Santa Monica uniquely offers the lively ambiance and diverse offerings of a metropolitan hub, balanced with the natural beauty and neighbourhood charm of a beach town. With 40 hotels and 400+ restaurants in 21.5 sq. km., Santa Monica is a walkable destination filled with unforgettable experiences and distinctive local businesses.’
‘In 2026, we look forward to welcoming the world to our beloved beach city. As international road trippers embark on a bucket list Route 66 journey and global sports fans settle in Santa Monica during major events, our local business owners and passionate hospitality workers are eager to welcome all.’
For more information on travel trade opportunities visit www.santamonica.com
