The annual Travel and Adventure Show sponsored by the Los Angeles Times opened in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, drawing hundreds of potential holidaymakers across the United States and from abroad with its exotic and diverse programs as well as fun activities.
Dubbed the biggest travel show on the west coast, the event has enjoyed enhanced popularity over the last couple of years.
"Due to the overwhelming popularity of the show in previous years, last year we took the momentous step of moving to the Los Angeles Convention Center, which was a huge success," Sheryl Collins, events director at the Los Angeles Times, said.
More than 500 exhibitors from around the world took part in the two-day event and everyone was doing his or her best to win over potential visitors.
To achieve their aims, the exhibitors, mostly travel agencies and tour operators in the United States and other countries, are offering more travel deals and discounts than ever before. Many offer lucky draws, small gifts, big discounts and cheap tickets.
"This year, the show will not only be our biggest ever, but also our best," said Collins.
The show was also characterized by diversified and exotic activities. Donning the colorful ethnic or national cloths, operators handed out pamphlets and small gifts.
Teenager dancers from Armenia, a mountainous country in the Caucasus region danced to the tune of local folk music. Players dressed as monsters from American folklores posed with curious visitors.
Traditional outdoor adventure activities like scuba diving, rock climbing and golf are part of the program, with trainers giving hands-on help to teenagers. As their kids immersed themselves in the quest, parents were busy taking snaps.
As one of the major sponsors of the event, the China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles showpieced the 2010 Shanghai Expo, providing detailed information to visitors.
"The United States ranks fourth in terms of travelers visiting China each year. We hope more and more Americans will go to China to witness with their own eyes the marvel and grandeur of the Expo, which will be held in the developing countries for the first time in more than 100 years," Wu Dawei, deputy director of the office, said.
Like before, this year's event also features lectures given by famous tourism experts and television hosts.
Popular PBS "Rick Steves' Europe" host Rick Steves, as well as Pauline and Arthur Frommer of the acclaimed guidebook series, will give keynote speeches. The speakers will address specific needs of visitors, such as digital photography, budget travel and maximizing online travel resources.