BBC.com/travel is the first in a series of factual and lifestyle sites, alongside BBC.com's redesigned news site and new US edition.
Hilton in Asia Pacific and Europe, Spice Jet in South Asia and Middle East, Emirates in North America are among the advertisers debuted on the site.
Former NYTimes.com travel and style editor David G. Allan has been appointed as editorial director.
The site launches with a range of stories from top destinations including Italy, the Caribbean and New York City. In the pipeline are a series of specially commissioned stories from BBC contributors and Lonely Planet authors such as the Edinburgh Festival, Japan's twist on Fall foliage and life above the Arctic Circle.
"Our audience already loves the smart, sophisticated and well researched stories from the BBC. BBC Travel builds on our news and documentary heritage with outstanding travel journalism including Lonely Planet's rich stable of authors to inspire you to leave your desk and have an adventure whatever the destination," said Allan.
