Welcome to the 15TH ANNUAL Los Angeles Times Travel Show

The only travel show backed by the Los Angeles Times and supported by the travel industry

On Feb. 23 and 24, one of the foremost travel expos in the world will open its doors at the Los Angeles Convention Center bringing the people of the Southland the world on sale. With exclusive offers found only on the trade show floor, travelers of all ages and budgets will have a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of travel options for 2013 and beyond. Let the Los Angeles Times and hundreds of travel professionals from around the world help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Be prepared to be swept away to the destination of your dreams. Exhibitors from every corner of the globe will awaken your wanderlust with seductive savings and dynamite discounts on all kinds of travel adventures. Discover California’s hidden gems, explore the heart of Asia or experience the rich cultures of South America. With the world at your fingertips, there is a little something for everyone.

In addition to the amazing offers and deals presented this weekend, there will be plenty of cultural entertainment for the whole family to enjoy as you navigate about. Many of the event sponsors will be at the Destinations Stage, where they will showcase their extraordinary cultures and enlighten travelers to the wonders and customs of their homelands.

Experts from the award-winning L.A. Times Travel section will be on hand at the Los Angeles Times Booth, where Times reporters will host a series of insightful exchanges that take a closer look at Southern California.

Learn about the latest and greatest in travel tech and fashion at the Travel in Style Pavilion; tempt your taste buds with samples of local, regional and worldly cuisines, while enjoying cooking demos at the Culinary Stage; and explore the great outdoors at the Xtreme Adventure Zone, the ideal destination for active adventurers and thrill seekers.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

This year’s Travel Show speaker lineup reads like a who’s who of travel industry insiders: Arthur Frommer, beloved book publisher of more than 340 travel guides; Mike Wolfe, America’s foremost forager, from “American Pickers”; Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race”; Rick Steves, celebrated travel author and host of “Rick Steves’ Europe”; and plenty more will offer up invaluable travel tips that’ll save you plenty of time and money.

TRADE DAY & INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Times Travel Show Trade Day will kick off the weekend. Trade Day features industry experts addressing key issues facing the travel industry and provides professionals from across the country with tremendous networking and business opportunities, plus special exhibitor access. See info on page 6 for more details.

PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS

Everybody loves free stuff and we love giving it away. See the center pullout for info on this year’s sweepstakes and giveaways. And, don’t forget to complete our survey at latimes.com/surveytravelshow for your chance to win a free iPad Mini.