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By Lookout Staff

January 8 -- A quarter century ago, Bev Moore hired a small staff, opened a visitor kiosk, launched a web site and put Santa Monica on the map as a tourist destination.

Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Moore founded, Santa Monica now draws more than 5 million visitors a year from around the world who pump $33 million in bed taxes into the City’s annual coffers.

“We started twenty-five years ago with the idea of simply marketing Santa Monica so people would know what the city had to offer and where it was on the map,” said Moore, who is now president and CEO of the Marina del Rey CVB. “The Bureau has certainly come a long way since then.”

On Wednesday, January 9, the Santa Monica CVB will thank the community and be recognized for helping to sustain tourism and raise awareness of Santa Monica as the world-renowned premiere travel destination.

“We are constantly searching for new ways to improve the overall Santa Monica experience for both residents and visitors,” said Misti Kerns, who replaced Moore as president and CEO in 2001.

“With the help of our local hospitality partners, business and community supporters, Santa Monica has been able to provide amenities and services other communities simply cannot,” Kerns said.

During her tenure, Kerns has initiated such community programs as the Beach Summit to improve and enhance the Santa Monica beach experience, and the “I am Santa Monica Program” to help the hospitality community continue to deliver exceptional service to residents and visitors, according to CVB officials.

Under Kerns, the CVB staff also completed the City’s Green Business Certification (GBC) program, winning the nod as one of the healthiest and most energy efficient businesses in Santa Monica.

The distinction enables SMCVB to lead by example and encourage local businesses, residents and visitors to reduce waste and conserve natural resources, Kerns said.

“We’re going to be ringing in 2008 by celebrating more than two decades of progressive rowth, trend-setting tourism services and bold innovations,” Kerns said.

The CVB will celebrate its Silver Anniversary with an open house Wednesday, January 9 at 4:30pm an open-house celebration at 1920 Main Street.

“The Bureau has certainly come a long way." Bev Moore

“We are constantly searching for new ways to improve the overall Santa Monica experience for both residents and visitors.” Misti Kerns