Yes, there is a difference. If you are just looking forward, you are considering possibilities for the future. Those possibilities may be good or bad. If you are looking forward to something, you are awaiting it eagerly, as something desirable. "Looking forward from today's Euro situation, conditions will probably worsen before they get better." (negative) "He is looking forward, planning for the future." (neutral) "She is looking forward to her party." (good - she wants the party to happen.)

I can't see any difference between them.