The Los Angeles Times Media Group is to introduce a new print Travel section and preview its rich-content online companion (http://travel.latimes.com/).

Published: 25 Feb 2007

The Los Angeles Times Media Group is to introduce a new print Travel section and preview its rich-content online companion (http://travel.latimes.com/).

According to the company, Travel will emphasise local and regional destinations important to Southern Californians including those throughout the state, Mexico, Hawaii and Las Vegas, as well as offer full-service access to research and trip-planning tools including an online travel booking engine powered exclusively by Expedia.com.

“Our new travel offerings bring rich multimedia content and robust personal utility to the Southland traveler,” said David Hiller, publisher and chief executive officer, the Los Angeles Times.

“Our readers and advertisers want a print section that both inspires and informs and a website that gives our readers the nuts and bolts that will help them execute their dream trips,” said Hiller.

The new online features include interactive reviews and ratings and highly functional research.

According to an official release, latimes.com visitors can access Expedia travel deals, online booking technology and deep travel content, as well as the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions and services.

Other features include a daily “Deal Blog” from The Times travel experts, both editorially selected and user- submitted photos and access to the Travel article archive. In addition, “My Trips”, allows users to conveniently bookmark, research and build a personalised itinerary while incorporating important planning information such as when to go, what to bring and things to do and a dynamic mapping function can identify key venues and generate directions.

A full version of Travel online will be released in late March, which will include upgrades based on initial user feedback.