LOS ANGELES — Travel agents can become an ‘L.A.’ Insider’ with a new specialist training program by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism).

The new online training tool, which is both mobile and tablet-friendly, is the first of its kind for the organization, and is designed to help Canadian and U.S. travel trade better sell the city.

According to L.A. Tourism, demand for a bespoke online portal of information and selling tools has been growing, as global demand to visit Los Angeles continues its rapid upward trajectory. A record 48.3 million tourists visited L.A. in 2017; by 2020, 50 million tourists are expected.

“We’re proud to launch such an advanced training program, one that will help our clients discover L.A. like an insider and sell L.A. like an expert,” said Ashlee Ciora, Senior Director, Tourism. “Los Angeles’ welcoming spirit, celebration of diversity and perfect weather are bringing visitors in greater numbers. New restaurants, attractions and hotels are opening up quickly to meet demand and it can be difficult to stay on top of all the new developments – L.A. Insider aims to provide the travel trade with a one-stop-shop platform for everything they need.”

L.A. Insider will provide easy access to L.A. Tourism’s marketing assets, sales collateral such as factsheets, maps, videos and even neighborhood tours in virtual reality. The program also provides information on Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and updates on the airport’s multi-billion dollar modernization program with multimedia assets added as they become available.

Participants who complete the L.A. Insider training will receive a certificate, access to discounts and specials from L.A. members, the opportunity to participate in fams and be entered to win a trip to one of L.A.’s award shows.

Localized modules of L.A. Insider will be launched for English-speaking international markets throughout March 2018 and L.A. Insider will be rolled out in Spanish, French, German, Korean and Japanese over the coming months with more languages to follow. The market specific modules will feature videos of expats describing what it is they love about Los Angeles and tips to make the most of a visit.

To learn more or enroll please visit insider.discoverlosangeles.com.