SGV has a lot to offer for tourists

Pasadena Star News

By: Cynthia Kurtz

Posted: 12/11/2013  

Los Angeles is the second most popular U.S. destination for overseas visitors. Only New York captures a larger percentage of international travelers. Tourism is on the rise and is expected to be one of the leaders in Southern California's economic recovery.

That is good news for the San Gabriel Valley. The SGV is an important Asian center in the U.S. and that means lots of Asian visitors. In 2012 hotel/motel room occupancy was 68.8 percent, more than four percent higher than 2011. 2013 is expected to close with an even higher 70.8 percent occupancy rate.

Where are all these visitors staying? All around the SGV but one destination does stand out as a favorite for the international traveler - the Pacific Palms Resort and Conference Center in the City of Industry. Close to 500,000 visitors annually enjoy this beautiful facility.

Located at the intersection of Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire, the Resort is also a favorite stay-cation destination for Southern Californians.

Nearly 400 golf events are hosted each year at the Resort's two public golf courses both designed by the renowned golf architect William F. Bell - an SGV native. The 7,211 yard Eisenhower Course - better known as The Ike - has hosted many U.S. Open qualifying tournaments and LPGA tour events. Golfers can also enjoy a driving range, putting green and pro shop.

The International Association of Conference Center's certified conference & golf resort - the only one in California - includes 45,000 sq. feet of conference space that offer as many as 32 meeting rooms.

The golf complex and conference center were built in 1980 on a reclaimed landfill. The amazing transformation was awarded the "The Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award" in 1981 from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The 292 guest room hotel was added in 1983 so conference goers could relax close by. 

On any visit to Pacific Palms Resort you are likely to witness filming. Whether the scene requires a gazebo on top of a hill, golf course, ballroom or busy lobby, Pacific Palms has the perfect spot. The Resort is just inside the "30 mile"  filming zone boundaries used by union film projects to determine per-diem rates for crew members making it not only versatile but also economical for film companies. 

Past shoots include the CBS hit show "The Mentalist", Showtime's sociopath thriller "Dexter",  the critically acclaimed CBS series "Man of a Certain Age", one of my favorites, ABC's "Grey's Anatomy", and the made for TV movie "Craigslist Killer".

Pacific Palms Resort and Conference Center also creates significant economic benefits providing close to 400 jobs. Tourism is a critical part of the SGV economy, employing almost 62,000 people and adding over 3,000 jobs in 2011.

You don't have to be a visitor to enjoy Pacific Palms Resort. If you haven't been there lately you should treat yourself to a day at the spa, a great meal at Cima or Red, or a round of golf. You'll be glad you did.