California Travel Association Expands 2013 Annual Summit

March 18-20 Broadened Industry Event to be held in San Diego

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Newly announced programming additions to the California Travel Association's 31^st Annual Travel Summit (CTS) will provide attendees with more inspired and dynamic opportunities than ever before.

Expanded general sessions offering a wider variety of world class speakers, a special e-marketing track of multiple workshops, and new offsite special events will highlight the Summit, to be held March 18-20, 2013 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California.

Additionally, new Tourism Improvement District Forum, pre and post hotel savings, free San Diego area attraction tickets, special SeaWorld and San Diego CVB events, and new special Summit pricing combine to make this " ... the BEST ROI tourism event for industry professionals," said Brian Baker, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Cheatau Montelena and Chairman of the Board for CalTravel.

"We have kept the same framework, however, we will be adding more keynote speakers, general sessions, internet marketing workshops, special events and activities," said CalTravel President & CEO John Severini. "Attendees need to only spend two nights to get a jammed packed schedule. However with our CTS pre/post hotel prices, free park admission tickets and special rates, many will want to take advantage of all that San Diego has to offer by extending their stay the weekend prior," he said.

The annual Summit is critically important for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals who seek to remain current with industry trends and state legislative issues impacting the State of California. In the past 30 years, CTS has earned a reputation for featuring highly-informative general sessions, world-class speakers and presenters on key topics in today's changing travel industry, prominent industry panels, intensive breakout groups, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of Early Bird registration before November 1, 2012, which includes discounted conference rates and two free passes to choice San Diego area attractions. There is also special 40% discounted pricing for groups of five (5) or more, and a 30% discount for attendees 30 years old and under. Guest, day pass, student/educator rates and special pricing for local San Diego CVB members and business partners. 

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is among the greenest hotels in San Diego, offering free airport and Gaslamp District shuttles, free WiFi, and spectacular San Diego views. Attendees are encouraged to bring family members and extend their stay to explore and enjoy San Diego. As an incentive, attendees who register by November 1 will receive two (2) complimentary passes to SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California Resort, or World-Famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

2013 CTS event and transportation partners include Amtrak California, Southwest Airlines, Visit California, Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, Simpleview, Legoland California Resort, San Diego CVB, and Mering Carson.

The California Travel Summit has gained industry-wide recognition as one of the State of California's most significant opportunities for travel and tourism professionals to share and improve individual knowledge, refine business relationships and add a voice to ongoing political discussions. Participants are offered a host of professional development sessions aimed at raising awareness of legislative issues and industry trends, developing marketing strategies and improving business practices.

CalTravelis the unified voice for the California travel industry's political concerns. By advocating directly to the state legislature, the Governor's office, local and federal officials, businesses, and the public, CalTravel addresses issues that affect the state's tourism industry. CalTravel also aggressively seeks to ensure continued funding for Visit California.

SOURCE California Travel Association