Visitors bureau gets more fashionable

Paul Clinton

The Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau has moved into new

offices near Fashion Island, close to many of the hotels that are

among its major members.

The local tourism promoter left its former offices near the Arches

bridge on Friday.

By Monday, the organization opened its doors at 110 Newport Center

Drive, with the Irvine Co. as its new landlord.

“We were very fortunate in getting this space from the Irvine

Co.,” said Marta Hayden, the bureau’s executive director. “The only

thing better might be if we had an ocean view.”

Hayden cited the new office’s proximity to many of the bureau’s

members, including the Four Seasons Hotel.

Hayden would not disclose terms of the lease with the Irvine Co.,

except that the bureau is locked in with a five-year lease.

The bureau began looking for a new home in January, when its

former landlord notified leaders that they had one year to vacate the

building. Plans are underway to convert the building, which is near

the bridge crossing Coast Highway near the Arches restaurant, into a

different use.

A neighboring Chili’s restaurant left the building about three

years ago, Hayden said.

The bureau spent seven years at its former location, which was

somewhat smaller than the current office. The bureau now has about

3,000 square feet of space.

The bureau represents the city’s seven major hotels, including the

Four Seasons, Hyatt Newporter and Newport Beach Marriott & Tennis

Club, which is also located in Newport Center.