Los Angeles’ tourism industry appears to be rebounding after a slump caused by the recession, tourism officials said Thursday.

Some 25.7 million tourists visited the city last year, up from 23.8 million in 2009, according to the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as L.A. Inc. They spent an estimated $13.1 billion on hotels, restaurants, theme parks and other attractions — 10.4 percent more than in the year before.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called the growth “impressive” and noted that “tourism is the city’s largest and most lucrative industry, generating billions each year and employing countless Angelenos.”

&#8226 CLICK HERE to read the Long Beach Press-Telegram story.