Hugo Martín

Staff Writer

Hugo Martín covers the travel industries, including airlines and theme parks, for the Los Angeles Times Business section. A native Californian, Martín was part of the Metro staff that won three Pulitzer Prizes in 1993, 1995 and 1998. He was also on the Travel section staff that won the Lowell Thomas Award from the Society of American Travel Writers in 2008. He is an avid outdoorsman, gardener and Lakers fan.

Latest From This Author

Business

Universal’s new ride will transform your face into a puppy’s. Here’s how:

Business

Universal’s new ride will transform your face into a puppy’s. Here’s how:

It’s a dog’s life on the new ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Secret Life of Pets
Business

The U.S. is losing big-spending foreign tourists — and Trump’s one reason why

Business

The U.S. is losing big-spending foreign tourists — and Trump’s one reason why

The U.S. has fallen as a global destination. Visitors may be miffed by President Trump’s travel ban, and the Trump administration has diverted marketing funds.
Business

U.S. seeks to limit emotional support critters on planes

Business

U.S. seeks to limit emotional support critters on planes

The days of passengers bringing rabbits, turtles and birds on airplanes as support animals could be ending. Trained dogs get the seal of approval.
Business

New Star Wars ride at Disneyland reaches capacity within minutes

Business

New Star Wars ride at Disneyland reaches capacity within minutes

First-day demand for the Rise of the Resistance ride caused all boarding slots to be taken within minutes of the park’s opening, mirroring the Florida launch.

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With Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, there’s a new force in our theme parks. And it’s called immersion
Business

Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance ride is opening. How bad will the crowds be?

Business

Disneyland’s Rise of the Resistance ride is opening. How bad will the crowds be?

Disneyland has prepared for years to handle the crowds at its Star Wars expansion. Now that the land is completed, will visitors follow?
Business

Airlines are paying fewer fines. Is the government letting them off the hook?

Business

Airlines are paying fewer fines. Is the government letting them off the hook?

The Trump administration has imposed fewer airline fines than the Obama administration did. Is it because of natural fluctuation, fewer complaints or lax enforcement?
Business

Can’t stand the heat? L.A. County Fair wants to push the fun into the cooler evening hours

Business

Can’t stand the heat? L.A. County Fair wants to push the fun into the cooler evening hours

County Fair officials want visitors to come later in the evening to avoid the summer heat, which has discouraged some attendance.
Business

Airbnb and similar sites don’t show fees upfront. People are mad about it

Business

Airbnb and similar sites don’t show fees upfront. People are mad about it

Airbnb hosts are allowed to charge fees that can nearly double your nightly rate. Lawmakers are looking to crack down.
Business

Disneyland hits capacity, temporarily stops selling tickets

Business

Disneyland hits capacity, temporarily stops selling tickets

Disneyland: The theme park reaches capacity seven months after opening 14-acre expansion
Business

Fake snow is in high demand. Just don’t ask how it’s made

Business

Fake snow is in high demand. Just don’t ask how it’s made

Snow wars: Theme parks and malls want artificial snow to draw crowds during the holidays. A growing crew of snow makers work to perfect their secret formulas.

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Where you can find fake snow