Will 2007 be a happy year for travelers?

If you're like most travelers, you're probably ready to say goodbye to 2006. For some it was the eye-popping price at the pump; for others, the groan-inducing breakdowns at baggage claim. Either way, it was clearly a year of long lines and short tempers.

So, what does 2007 hold in store? Good question, and while I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to propose an all-encompassing, one-size-fits-all answer, I think recent events offer some interesting hints about travel in the coming months. If nothing else, they're worth considering before you book your next flight, rent another car or reserve a hotel room.

In the air

Think 2006 was a bumpy year for the airline business? Get ready for some more turbulence. Will US Airways be successful in its takeover bid for Delta? Probably not. Will other mergers be proposed and ultimately put together? They have and they will. And will the end result be greater efficiency, better service and lower fares? I wouldn’t count on it.

After five years of staggering losses, the U.S. airline industry has slashed fleets, jobs, services and anything else it could get its hands on to combat overcapacity, unsustainable pricing and sky-high fuel costs. And with little else to cut, mergers and buyouts probably start looking pretty attractive, especially since the industry is actually flirting with the prospect of profitability.

But I just don't see them passing any savings on to the rest of us. Sure, in some cases, discount airlines may expand into new markets, putting a ceiling on potential fare increases. In others, more direct flights and increasingly efficient aircraft will counter tangled route maps and rising fuel costs. And yet, spot bargains aside, I just can’t see those factors outweighing the one-two punch of strong demand and fewer seats.

Or, to put it more bluntly, planes will continue to fly full and fares will go up in 2007. The American Express Global Business Travel Forecast pegs the increase in domestic economy-class fares at 3-6 percent for next year.

Most of us, though, will fly anyway, even if it means paying for pillows and cattle-car seating. We may get lucky – say, when a discount airline opens a new route and sparks a short-term fare war – but, for the most part, we'll pony up for the full-fare ticket. If that’s the case, it’s not too early to start planning that spring fling or summer vacation right now

On the ground

Get ready to pay more when you book a hotel room or rent a car, too. According to the American Express forecast, rates for mid-range hotels in the U.S. will likely rise 3-6 percent in 2007, with upper-range hotels bumping their rates 4-8 percent. They also predict that rental-car rates will increase 4-6 percent.

The rental-car industry, for example, depends on the rental companies' high-volume, low-margin fleet programs with Detroit's Big Three automakers. But with Motown cutting production to counter its own financial woes, guess which programs are the first to feel the pinch? Take those cars out of the mix and rental-car companies can either cut their own fleets or pay more for higher-class cars. Either way, rental rates go up.

Then there's the sticker shock from all those added fees and taxes. According to a just-released study from Travelocity, such fees – you know, where visitors foot the bill for local improvements – increased at the nation’s major airports from 25.8 percent in March 2005 to 28.04 percent in December 2006. Though the fees are often lower at neighborhood locations, I'm guessing most of us will just suck it up at the terminal counter.

So to get the best deal for your next trip, Please take a chance to visit to YTB Travel.

YTB takes route to Wood River

A growing travel firm - YTB's trip to a new location gives its corporate headquarters more room to roam.

"It's fantastic," Sandy Pippins, executive vice president of administration, said of the new location for YTB International Inc., which opened Tuesday in the former Kmart facility at 1901 Edwardsville Road.

Five years ago, Pippins became the first employee hired by the company's founders, J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer, his son, Scott Tomer, and colleague, J. Kim Sorensen.

"It was the smartest decision I ever made," Pippins said.

Lloyd Tomer, the chief executive officer, said the decision to move from 1 Country Club View Drive in Edwardsville was simply a matter of finding enough space for current employees - and room for expansion.

The company chose the site in part because the former 120,000-square-foot building could be renovated for much less than it would take to construct a new building. The cost is $40 per square foot for renovation compared to $200 per square foot for new construction.

The company expects to spend upward of $6 million on the renovation. Thus far, most of the work has been on the inside of the building, giving passersby little indication of what's going on indoors.

Tomer said the company basically assists or trains people in starting their own Internet travel businesses.

YTB runs the booking engine. The company merged with a New Jersey company, REZconnect several years ago to get the technology that links Web customers in real-time, allowing them to make travel reservations.

YTB develops, sells and supports the on-line travel Web sites of referring travel agents.

"There are 60,000 RTAs across the country," Tomer said.

Pippins, along with the company's other 138 employees, began moving into the new 20,000-square-foot renovated office around 9 a.m. Tuesday By 10:30 a moving truck had arrived with office equipment and employees were reading to start unpacking.

Tami Goad of Mount Olive, said she really liked the new office space. She started working for the company in July 2005.

"I was a manager of a travel agency in Litchfield," Goad said.

She said when she came on board she brought with her five other employees.

"It's really wonderful," she said.

Duane Vancil said the same. He moved to Moro from Atlanta, Ga., to take the job more than 13 months ago.

Vancil said he grew up in the St. Louis area, but later moved down South to take a job. He said that during a return trip home he visited YTB and was offered the job of vice president of operations.

He said the new building is phenomenal.

"We were like sardines in the old building," Vancil said. "(Now) we're not on separate floors and separate buildings any more."

Pippins, who lives in Holiday Shores and worked as a district manager for H&R Block before joining YTB, said it's been amazing to see the technological changes in the Internet-based travel company.

"When they started the company (YTB) was a totally new concept in the world of travel," she said.

"When I started all I had was an old typewriter table and a telephone."

The company, which is publicly traded and operates three divisions - yourTravelBiz.com, REZconnect Technologies Inc. and YTB Travel Network - announced five months ago that it would be moving into the new facility.

Eric Smith, chief information officer, said the move is a good one that from a technological standpoint. He said the company uses Voice over Internet Protocol, which allows voice communications through the Web, changing phone communications from a fully analog system into a digital one.

Since VoIP uses the same infrastructure as the Internet, calls can be routed outside the office.
"It gives us unlimited expansion opportunities," Smith said.

If the number of employees exceeds the 150 available work stations, then personnel could work from home. He said the company anticipates hiring more people within the next year and by 2008 to 2009 the expected number of employees will be between 600 and 800.

He said the company will be hiring in the near future and people who are interested should send their resumes.

In addition to its corporate headquarters, the new facility will also house a 500-seat state-of-the-art auditorium and 500-seat dinning facility, both of which will be available for the public to use, Tomer said.

Tomer said the company hired C.O.R.E., a project management firm from St. Louis, to oversee the renovation work.

He said the next phase of the project would be transform the facade on the front of the building and build an auditorium and dining facility.

"We are spending $1 million on the front of the building," he said. "It should be done by mid-year and that's when I think people will start to notice us here."

Josh Tomer is especially pleased with the new facility and the growth of the company. The 24-year-old has been a part of the team since his father and grandfather founded the company.

Josh Tomer started working for the company as its marketing director in 2005 after ending a four-year stint with the U.S. Marines. He said the job is a huge change compared to spending time in Afghanistan, but he likes it.

"I'm just fighting the corporate world now," he said.

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Travel Weekly reveals winners of 2006 Readers Choice Awards

Travel Weekly revealed its Readers Choice Awards winners in 51 categories during a gala dinner. The black-tie awards ceremony, now in its fourth year, was held at the Pierre Hotel in New York.

The award recipients were chosen by Travel Weekly readers. An open ballot phase of the voting was conducted in the summer, and readers were invited to write in the names of any company they chose in a category. The top vote-getters were identified as finalists, and voting on finalists took place through Oct. 21.

Travel Weekly also presented three Lifetime Achievement Awards, to Bill Marriott Jr., the chairman and CEO of Marriott International; Bob Dickinson, the president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines; and John Mullen, the president and CEO of Apple Vacations.

And the winners are ....

• AIRLINE
  Domestic: American Airlines
  International: Virgin Atlantic Airways
• CAR RENTAL
  Domestic: Hertz
  International: Hertz
• HOTEL
  Chain, Domestic: Marriott
  Chain, Asia: Mandarin Oriental
  Chain, Caribbean: Sandals Resorts
  Chain, Europe: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  Chain, Mexico: Palace Resorts
  Chain, South Pacific: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
  Chain, All-Inclusive: Sandals Resorts
  Chain, Luxury: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
  Chain, Upscale: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
  Chain, Mid-Level: Marriott
  Chain, Economy: Hampton Inn
  Chain, Sales & Service: Marriott
  Top Resort Worldwide: St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora
• TOUR OPERATOR
  Domestic: Travel Impressions
  International: Globus
  Africa: Abercrombie & Kent
  Asia/Pacific: Globus
  Canada: Tauck World Discovery
  Caribbean: GoGo Worldwide Vacations
• Europe: World Discovery
  Hawaii: Pleasant Holidays
  Mexico: Apple Vacations
  Luxury: Abercrombie & Kent
  Sales & Service: Travel Impressions
• CRUISE LINE
  Domestic: Royal Caribbean International
  Alaska: Holland America Line
  Caribbean: Royal Caribbean International
  Europe: Princess Cruises
  Luxury: Regent Seven Seas
  Riverboats: Viking River Cruises
  Sales & Service: Carnival Cruise Line
  Overall: Royal Caribbean International
• CRUISE SHIP
  Rookie of the Year: Freedom of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International
  Luxury: Queen Mary 2, Cunard
  Overall Individual: Queen Mary 2, Cunard
• DESTINATION
  Asia/Pacific Country: Australia
  Asia/Pacific City: Sydney
  Canada: Vancouver
  Caribbean: St. Lucia
  European Country: Italy
  European City: Rome
  Hawaii: Maui
  Mexico: Riviera Maya
  Central/South America: Costa Rica
  U.S. State: Hawaii
  U.S. City: New York
• THEME PARK
  Disney World
  
  Get More!
  For more on Travel Weekly's 2006 Readers Choice Awards winners, look in Travel Weekly's Jan. 15 edition.

YTB Announces Expanded Agreement with World Choice, a Division of Travelocity

YTB International, Inc, (OTC BB: YTBL), a leading provider of internet-based travel services, announced that it has expanded its agreement with World Choice Travel, adivision of Travelocity, enabling our clients to book hotels via a privately branded booking engine. They also now have access to two industry leading dynamic packaging products, Last Minute Deals and Custom Trip. Our web based booking engines feature the same inventory and pricing as Travelocity.com.

“Our World Choice agreement represents another opportunity for our agents to develop an exclusive online business that combines two of the most popular trends today — the Internet and travel,” said Lloyd Tomer, YTB International's Chairman of the Board.

YTB's ability to refine and expand our agreements with travel vendors such as the World Choice division of Travelocity, provides our representatives such as the Sundance Travel with the confidence in selling travel through our diverse private labeled travel sites. Our powerful referral marketing program provides the support that has made our agents so successful. We look forward to continuing to grow through supporting and working closely with our agents, which now exceeds 9,500 reps.

“Our growing membership of travel agents will now be able to provide our significant customer base with the confidence to instantly and securely purchase travel fromover 55,000 hotels and resorts worldwide, including 15,000 plus hot rate hotels,” said Michael Brent, YTB's Chief Executive Officer. “Our development and hosting of localweb sites and real time reservations was designed to offer broad choices, low prices and excellent customer service. Now, with our expanded offerings, we will be able to offerour travel reps even more ways to provide cost-effective travel-related services.”

Cities on the rise

THE new edition of Lonely Planet BLUELIST 2007 has just been released. This annual book reveals what's hot and happening in travel for the coming year. This week, we look at the emerging cities set to stand on the world stage in the year ahead, according to Lonely Planet.

1. CHONGQING, CHINA With an urban population of more than 12 million, Chongqing is a big city with even bigger plans, most of them related to the hype connected to the Three Gorges Dam. It already rates as the chief industrial city of southwestern China. Perched on the steep hills overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it's one of China's more unusual cities, as dusty tenements and gleaming office towers cling to the side of the steep hills that make up most of the city centre. Something immediately noticeable is the absence of bicycles – all those hills would make for a coronary.

2. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Currently the fastest-growing city in the world, Dubai is a million things, depending on who you are and why you're here. For many of the more than five million visitors who fly into its sleek airport every year, it's a flashy, fun, often surreal yet uniquely Arabian city, with year-round sunshine, stunning five-star beach hotels, endless shopping, bubbling nightlife and world-class sports events. For Emiratis, it's a city that shows the rest of the world what an Arabic nation is capable of when given an opportunity to shine.

3. TALLINN, ESTONIA The 1990s saw Tallinn transformed into a contemporary mid-sized city, with a beautifully restored Old Town and a modern business district surrounding it. Today, a look around the centre indicates that the city is booming. It boasts 14th-century dwellings that have been given new life by its imaginative populace. The flair of the streets is decidedly fashion-forward, with boutiques bearing the imprint of rising Estonian designers, in contrast with centuries-old artisan traditions. The capital also boasts the largest wine cellars in the Baltics and plenty of medieval settings in which to imbibe.

4. LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Northern Laos' stunning city has been regulated in its development and as a result, has retained its character and sense of isolation. Its incredible French colonial architecture, delicate Buddhist wat and backdrop of emerald green mountains make it a travel photographer's dream. Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995, the once sleepy riverside city has become gentrified at a manageable pace. Restoration works and a tourism boom are assuring its ability to remain a postcard-perfect illustration of historic Indochina.

5. RIGA, LATVIA Growing up as the big boy of the Baltics, Riga has always been a major metropolis with a proper big-city atmosphere hard to find elsewhere in the region. A pulsating place, its magnetism traps travellers long after their planned departure date. Once dubbed the "Paris of the East", it's building so fast that UNESCO has warned Riga it may withdraw its special protected status, due to the number of glittering glass hotels and business centres springing up faster than you can say "bring me the tourist dollar on a platter, and make it snappy".

6. VILNIUS, LITHUANIA An incredibly small place (can this really be a capital city?), Lithuania's hub seduces visitors with astonishing old town charm. UNESCO has declared this, Europe's largest baroque old town, a World Heritage site. It's home to an eccentric artist community: where else could there be the world's only statue of psychedelic musician and composer Frank Zappa? Change has swept through with flair and panache. Using foreign cash and local vision, this stylish little city has big plans. But new business and infrastructure – even a skyscraper skyline – won't disguise its curious charm.

7. WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND One of the world's cold-yet-cultural cities, New Zealand's capital is gaining in reputation as a place to be in the southern hemisphere. Why does this windy city foster an artistic culture? Maybe because it's somewhat isolated, sitting at the southern end of the North Island with a contemplative view over Cook Strait. Maybe, due for NZ's next big earthquake, it's busy living for the moment. Whatever the ingredients, youthful energy abounds – hip-hop dance-offs, plenty of live music and cafés, fashionable bars and bookshops. More beautiful than Seattle or Melbourne, the starry night is clearly young here.

8. BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND A walk through the streets of Belfast late in the day seems to confirm the image of a place battened down and beleaguered by years of religious politics and violence. Yet Belfast recently celebrated the City Hall's 100th birthday with one of its biggest carnivals. It's possible to get a decent coffee, and the central mall these days seems like a smaller version of shopping districts elsewhere. Most symbolic of change is the latest wall mural, which depicts a unifying figure, the footballer George Best, rather than images of difference.

9. BELGRADE, SERBIA It's not just the ridiculously cheap prices; this Serbian city has an infectious energy and a populace that's unfailingly friendly, mad about music and up for a big night out. A devastating combination of Nazi bombing and postwar central planning has given once-handsome Belgrade the architectural equivalent of a cauliflower ear and a crooked nose. Look beyond the carbuncular concrete, however, and you'll discover compelling reasons to stay. The sensationally located, unspoiled Kalemegdan Citadel is one. Spend more than a day here and you'll also realise why Belgrade is a burgeoning party destination.

10. PERTH, AUSTRALIA Step off the plane in the most remote city of its size in the world and you'll feel the freedom: it's a big possible sky out here. The capital of Western Australia has got it good and it knows it. Due to resource-rich soils and a tenacious – and controversial – mining industry, the quality of life here is as obvious as a boat parked in front of a beach mansion. Liquid amber's just another local commodity: every week, year round, people queue to get into local beer gardens for the Sunday Sesh (session). No wonder there are still motions to secede.

This is an edited extract from Lonely Planet BLUELIST: The Best in Travel 2007 © Lonely Planet Publications, 2006. $29.95.
More: www.lonelyplanet.com/bluelist

What your honeymoon will cost

Every weekend, some 44,230 Americans tie the knot. About 85% of those couples go on to take a honeymoon. But a question most likely to be on the minds of brides and grooms everywhere is: What will that cost?

Although engaged couples can often count on their parents to help pay for the wedding, newlywed couples traditionally fund the honeymoon themselves. And with a weakening dollar, high energy prices, and creeping inflation, couples planning a honeymoon would do well to start saving--now.

The U.S. honeymoon market is currently worth $10 billion annually, up from $7 billion in 2004, according to the Condé Nast Bridal Group, the market research division of Condé Nast Publications' bridal magazines, which include Bride's and Modern Bride, the two largest bridal magazines in the U.S. While that number translates to fat profits for hotels and resorts worldwide, honeymooners themselves are left footing a bill that's skyrocketed over 50% in the past two years, to an average cost of $5,111 per honeymoon in 2006--and that's only an average. For couples who plan extensive round-the-world tours or even spend a few exotic weeks languishing on a beach in the Maldives, the cost can be much higher.

YTB Honeymoon Registry - A great feature on YTB Travel site.

Wedding Couples

On your free honeymoon registry list anything you want to do on your honeymoon... even portions of your trip.It works just like a gift registry,only your guests give you portions of your dream honeymoon. The perfect, unforgettable gift.

• No set up fee.
• Free wedding website.
• Hundreds of ideas covering areas all over the world - or you can create your own honeymoon registry.
• Photos and descriptions for all items.
• You can make your own travel plans.
• Announcements & shower games.
• You can receive your gifts anytime.

YTB on the Move

An operation considered to be one of the fastest-growing Internet-based travel companies is planning to move into its $2 million headquarters in Wood River by the end of the month.

YTB International Inc., at 1 Country Club View Drive in Edwardsville, will move into its new corporate headquarters in the former Kmart building on Edwardsville Road in Wood River on Dec. 26.

"We’re really excited about it," said Andrew F. Cauthen, president and chief operations officer of the company.

The company, which is publicly traded and operates three divisions -- www.ytb.com, REZconnect Technologies Inc. and YTB Travel Network -- announced in July that it had purchased the 120,000-square-foot building and 13-acre site with plans to renovate them.

The announcement was made shortly after another development group said it planned to demolish the building along Illinois Route 143 to make way for a $10 million to $12 million automobile dealership complex that would have included Federico Chrysler-Dodge Inc. and Jack Schmitt of Alton Inc. (Alton Centers Nissan).

The dealerships still plan to build on land west of the property at the intersection of Route 143 and Lakin Boulevard.

Cauthen said one of the reasons the company chose Wood River is that it simply outgrew its site in Edwardsville. He said the company liked the location and could renovate the former retail site for about $40 per square foot, which is significantly less than the $200 per square foot it would cost for a new building.

Work has been under way for the past several months. The company hired C.O.R.E., a project management firm, to oversee the work being done in the former restaurant of the building.

"We have a business to run and needed someone we could trust to oversee the project," Cauthen said.

He said the renovation is being done in three phases. Current renovation is considered Phase 2.

Phase 3 of the project will include building a state-of-the-art 500-seat theater and dining room in part of the 100,000-square-foot site, and Phase 4 will be transforming the remaining portion of the building.

"We cannot wait until it’s done," Cauthen said.

The building should be completed in 2008, he said.

"Right now, it still doesn’t look that different from the outside, but within the next year, it will," he said.

Cauthen said the company plans to spend an additional $10 million in renovations.

The company projects that by June 2009, it will employ nearly 600 people or more and earn $338 million in annual revenue.

J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer, founder of the company and chairman of the board, said he is excited about moving into the company’s new digs. He said he is especially looking forward to being a part of the Wood River community.

Tomer, along with his son, Scott, and friend, J. Kim Sorenson, started the company in Alton.

In June 2001, six employees started working for the company in the former First National Bank building at Third and Belle streets. By July 2005, the company had outgrown its space and moved to Edwardsville.

"We had 39 employees when we moved," Tomer said.

During the past 18 months, the company has hired 100 people, and once it moves to Wood River, it plans to hire more.

Wood River Mayor Fred Ufert said he is excited about the company’s move, which he said adds to the growth and development that is rapidly taking place in the city.

"Having a corporate headquarters in town will be a good thing for the community," Ufert said.

He said he hopes the company’s anticipated growth will bring more development to the area.

Tomer agreed. He said that besides office personnel, 60,000 referring travel agents are part of the business, and they visit the company’s headquarters by the hundreds at a time.

The business basically allows people to start their own Internet travel business. Those who become referring travel agents earn a commission every time someone books a trip from their site.

YTB runs the booking engine. The company merged with a New Jersey company, REZconnect, several years ago to get the technology that links Web customers in real time, allowing them to make travel reservations.

YTB develops, sells and supports the online travel Web sites of referring travel agents. The initial start-up cost for a referring travel agent is $450 and a $50 monthly maintenance fee.

Customers who log on to any YTB site have the ability to make reservations on more than 424 airlines, at more than 35,000 hotels and with most major car rental companies, cruise lines and tour package operators.

Tomer said all offices would be moving to Wood River. He said one of the reasons he is excited about the move is that city officials have welcomed the company with open arms.

Ufert said he hopes that with YTB’s move to the city, it will continue to bring more businesses.

"It’s been a good year for development in Wood River, and we only hope we can continue that," he said.

Tomer said about 60,000 people will tour the home office next year and are likely to spend more than $6 million on hotels and $3 million on meals and entertainment.

"That doesn’t count our employees who leave the office for lunch, either," he said.

Tomer said he hopes his business is able to help the city bring additional businesses to town.

He said that before approaching Wood River, he met with officials in Edwardsville, but they didn’t seem to care whether the company remained in town.

"It seemed like no one really cared," he said.

Special Christmas Travel

Travel to some of the destinations of the world this December especially to the Continent, for this is where the heart of Christmas is. Get along sightseeing or traveling for purposes of academia or sheer pleasure with YTB Travel agency - Sundance Travel.

You deserve all the world's joys and have the right to make that happen!

Nestled in the aura of the hilly slopes of the Northern reaches of UK, comes Ireland, the land of apple orchards and falling snow. Christmas in Ireland is an experience to be cherished. Christmas traditions have been handed down over generations. As you stroll along the streets you feel the excitement of "Christmas Past" while shopping for traditional Christmas treats. The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. Some people would light candles to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors.

Back in the States, Cromwell Manor Inn in New York is a historic country estate on seven acres of woodlands and gardens in New York's Hudson Valley. Guests can visit nearby West Point, explore the many sights of the majestic Hudson Highlands or relax for a quiet weekend getaway. Romance awaits you at Cromwell Manor Inn built around 1820 by David Cromwell, an eminent descendant of the Restoration hero, Oliver Cromwell.

Check out the amazing attractions of the Nords, Celts, Mexico and Europe from Custom Packages, European Tours, Apple Vacations, Travel Impressions, Caribbean Vacations, Singles Trave, Last Minutes Weekend Escapes, of course with Sundance Travel.

Tops in Destination Marketing

Australia took the lead this year as the top overall tourism destination, leapfrogging over the United States and Italy through aggressive and comprehensive branding efforts, according to a second annual global survey.

While Australian government spending on tourism and travel was 3.7 percent, its tourism and travel industry grew 3.6 percent and the industry accounted for 5.3 percent of gross domestic product, according to the second FutureBrand Country Brand Index.

The results — combined with a global quantitative survey and expert opinions of international travel, hospitality and industry professionals — pushed Australia past last year’s leader Italy and second-place U.S.

“Australia is really doing an impressive job of promoting themselves,” according to the the FutureBrand Country Brand Index survey developed by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel Practice. “Australia understands the idea of using the whole country, not just the pieces.”

The U.S. again came in second, according to the survey, which was released in November in conjunction with the World Travel Market in London.

“Many U.S. destinations have improved in terms of the range of quality lodging options, dining venues and affordable inbound airline lift,” the survey found.

Italy, which dropped to third, still was ranked as the most authentic country thanks to its history, culture and great conservation efforts despite the constant growth of its cities.

Effective branding is becoming increasingly crucial for countries seeking to lure travelers as worldwide receipts from international tourism soared to $682 billion last year, up nearly $50 billion from the previous year. This year, the global travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute $1.7 trillion — or nearly 3.6 percent — to the gross domestic product.

Countries’ branding efforts also hold keys for broader travel industry efforts as the survey’s authors noted a brand at the highest level is much more than a logo or slogan, but a unifying and identifiable platform manifested in experience.

“Brand is not merely a marketing wrapper, but a value proposition that changes perception and preference [and] drives usage,” they noted.

In assessing a country’s branding success, the survey focused on how it capitalized in areas including safety, value, ease of communication, proximity, weather, natural beauty, authenticity, art/culture, lodging and resort options and outdoor activities.

It ranked India best for authenticity, and Egypt first in history and art and culture. The Bahamas was tops for beaches for the second time, and the Maldives took the top place for weather and an array of resort and relaxation offerings. New Zealand was tops in two categories: natural beauty and outdoor activities/sports.

In the “rising star” category, China topped the list as likely to become a major tourist destination in the next five years, followed by Croatia and the United Arab Emirates

The U.S. was tops in seven categories including activities for families, shopping and business travel.

In addition to country rankings, this year’s index also highlighted emerging travel trends, challenges and opportunities within the larger world of travel and tourism.

Among key trends is a continuing technological evolution that has given rise to countless Web sites and blogs that are geared to social networking and that travelers have embraced to organize and shape a new kind of travel community.

The survey also found that travelers are becoming more attracted to adventures and travels that are scarce, lured by the desirability of a location or trip that is challenging to obtain. Educational travel, commemorating abroad and micro-segment markets also are gaining momentum as travel consumers craft trips that meet a growing number of unique requirements.

The trends portend key opportunities for travel professionals as well as countries.

“Countries can no longer continue to see themselves as commodities,” said Rina Plapler, executive director, FutureBrand. “We continue to believe that branding is a tremendous opportunity for both developed and developing countries to build preference, consideration, loyalty and advocacy.”

Top 10 Country Brands

• Australia
• U.S.
• Italy
• France
• Greece
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• New Zealand
• Maldives
• India

Source: FutureBrand, Weber ShandwickFor a copy of the report, see www.futurebrand.com

Is Golf Your Game? Check Out The YTB Golf Website

Explore more than 25 of the best golf resorts in the US, Canada, & Mexico.

YTB Golf has information on lodging and golf courses that feature photos, descriptions and prices as well as course layouts & scorecards to make your golf vacation planning a breeze.

You can create your own discount golf package using our interactive website.


Pebble Beach Sample Golf Itinerary

• Day 1:Upon your arrival in San Francisco you will transfer to the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The rest of the day is free to relax and unpack. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.

• Day 2:This morning golf will be arranged at Spanish Bay Golf Course. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.

• Day 3:This morning golf will be arranged at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.


• Day 4:This morning golf will be arranged at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.


• Day 5:Today you will depart Pebble Beach.Cost Includes: 4 nights accommodation, double occupancy or single occupancy. All local taxes on hotel accommodation and golf.

Travel documents. Green fees and starting times for 1 round at each of the following courses: Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach.Want a quote on this or other fantastic options? Go to the YTB Golf Website.

LYNDA WARD EARNS $10,000 BONUS

"A Steady, Consistent, and Supportive Team"

It is not often that you get an opportunity that can literally change your life." In only a year and a half, with no previous marketing experience, Lynda and Claude Ward have created a team of over 300 members and have earned their first $10,000 DreamBonus. They have lived in Colton, CA for 20 years. Lynda is a retired Regional Parole Administrator for the California Department of Corrections/Parole Division with 25 years of service. Claude retired after 30 years of service to the Jurupa School District, serving in the capacity of teacher, football coach, and school counselor. They have three children and two grandchildren ages six and eight.

Lynda credits her team: "My team is steady, consistent, and very supportive of me and each other. When they learned I was close to achieving the $10,000 bonus, they did all they could to help and they called me often to encourage me. When I received the bonus check at Convention, my California Expansion Team members ran up on stage and gave me flowers and took my picture. They made me feel like a queen. I would especially like to recognize Sandra Byrd, Sandra Coleman, Hallie Stubbs, Patricia and Francis Conner, Janice Fitzpatrick, Ethel Cross , Edith Buffolow, Victor Harewood and Maxwell Edusei. These team members worked right up to the last minute help me make the bonus by convention!"

New prospects offer Lynda varied responses. "Some immediately see the tax advantages, the travel benefits and the ability to make lots of money. Others cannot see themselves being successful in a network marketing business. I keep these people on my list and get back to them periodically to give them additional information that addresses their concerns. I host opportunity meetings at least twice a week and I do Grand Openings and travel parties every weekend. I have sponsored friends all over the country and I have traveled to several cities to help host Grand Openings."

Lynda finds that if you are consistent with this business and tell at least one person about the the YTB opportunity every day, you will achieve success. "Maybe not immediately, but it will catch up with you. You can't give up; you have to keep doing it over and over and eventually you will have success. When people tell me they are not having any success, I tell them it’s because they are not telling anybody about YTB. Also, going to events and tuning in to the conference call are a must, if you want to stay motivated and achieve your goals.”

Lynda concludes: "I feel my YTB business will allow me to pursue my life's purpose without having to worry about finances. I am so thankful to Arlyne Thompson and Juliet St. John for encouraging me, believing in me, and seeing success in me when I did not see it myself and to my husband for his support and patience. Being in YTB has been a wonderful experience for me. It is all the things I like to do - enjoy the company of wonderful people, travel and make money - wrapped up into one package."

FAMiliarization Trips

FAM Trips are just one of the many benefits that exist in YTB - Your Travel Biz. So what are they? They are discounted trips travel vendors offer as a way to familiarize yourself with their offerings and encourage you to promote them to clients.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY PERKS AND BENEFITS
Undoubtedly, the vast majority of people who become involved in the travel industry do so, primarily, to take advantage of the travel opportunities. Travel vendors, wholesalers, cruise lines, resorts and tour companies offer various professional courtesies as a means of reaching the travel agent community. These courtesies are never guaranteed, but, depending on various criteria, such as the time of year etc., and at the discretion of the particular vendor, may be offered at extremely reduced prices. They make these attractive prices available as their way of introducing the travel agents to what they have to offer. One of the most popular travel opportunities for travel agents is the “FAM” or familiarization trip. A typical FAM trip might include airfare, lodging, sight seeing, and even meals. This gives the travel vendor the chance to “show off”. Expect the “red carpet” treatment when you go, but be prepared to spend some time taking a complete tour of the facilities (resort, cruise ship, etc.).

With new cruise ships, theme parks, resorts, etc. being built to meet the rising demands, many more opportunities will become available for travel agents to take advantage of possible discounts and upgrades. Although many travel suppliers are less visible than others, they are, nevertheless, interested in promoting their products and services. They may offer discounts to travel agents as a means of distinguishing themselves from their competition. You may be able to obtain passes to theme parks, dinner theatres, parks, etc. just by identifying yourself as a travel consultant and asking for their special Travel Industry rate. Some suppliers may request an advance notice of your arrival, in writing, while others may simply require that you provide a business card or Photo ID upon arrival. In any event, it is your responsibility, when inquiring about special agent rates, to determine what form of identification will be required of you, upon arrival. This is most important when making hotel and/or car rental reservations.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROTOCOL
You will have many opportunities to enjoy your status as a travel professional. However, there are certain obligations and ethical codes that you will be expected to adhere to. For example, while traveling, you should conduct yourself in a professional and businesslike manner. If you are asking for an airline upgrade, for example, you are expected to be dressed professionally. You may be expected to attend a seminar while you are taking advantage of a FAM trip. These seminars are extremely informative and are designed to educate you. It is always recommended that you send a “thank you” note after you return from a destination that extended professional courtesies to you.

$18,270.36 Booking Travel with YTB

Referring Travel Agent CHARLENE MIXA has earned YTB's highest travel commission to date! Charlene earned $18,270.36 by organizing a Human Resources conference for 1000 attendees at the Disney Contemporary Resort Hotel in Orlando, FL.

Charlene joined YTB two years ago; she and her husband wanted to have some type of travel business as they neared retirement. When they found out about YTB, it was a perfect fit into their lifestyle.

YTB BILL OF RIGHTS

YTB is committed to preserving and protecting YOUR future. Presented at the 2005 National Convention, the YTB Bill of Rights provides not only you, but your future generations with outstanding protection for your YTB business.

Since the beginnings of modern era network marketing over 50 years ago, and continuing through the present date, it has been the promise of network marketing that when a Independent Marketing Representative builds a sales organization from which they derive a residual monthly income that, having built a sales organization and having become entitled to residual income from their personal sales and from the sales of their downline organization, the Independent Marketing Representative will continue to receive the fruits of their labor by way of continuing receipt of residual commission income.

This “promise” has yet to be fulfilled by any company in the network marketing industry. The intervening events which keep this promise from being kept by network marketing companies, and benefited from by their Independent Marketing Representatives, are many and varied and include events such as cessation of network marketing, corporate bankruptcy, sale of the corporate business, sale of the revenue streams generating residual commissions, and the outright termination of residual commissions by the company.

The results of such intervening events to Independent Marketing Representative and their families are often calamitous, causing serious economic consequences to the Independent Marketing Representative and their families and sometimes the destruction of families. Your Travel Biz.com is firmly resolved that its present and future Independent Marketing Representative shall not suffer such consequences and that for the first time in the network marketing industry a network marketing company, YourTravelBiz.com, shall keep the promise to its Independent Marketing Representative of uninterrupted residual commissions.

Pursuant to this firm resolution YourTravelBiz.com adopts and implements the following Bill of Rights for its present and future Independent Marketing Representative.This Policy and Procedure is not subject to future modification by YourTravelBiz.com, its heirs, successors and assigns.

The term "residual commissions" shall mean those commissions and the amounts thereof currently earned as of September 1, 2005.YourTravelBiz.com shall not, ever, reduce the IMR residual commissions in effect on September 1, 2005.

So long as they are commission qualified pursuant to the YourTravelBiz.com Compensation Plan, present and future Independent Marketing Representatives of YourTravelBiz.com shall be deemed to have fully and unconditionally earned all residual commissions upon the monthly revenues paid by RTAs established by themselves and by Independent Marketing Representatives in their commissionable downline, subject only to future monthly payments being made by the RTAs commissionable to them.

No present or future Independent Marketing Representative of YourTravelBiz.com may be divested of the foregoing right to receive residual commissions except upon the voluntary termination of their Independent Marketing Representative status, or their involuntary termination as a Independent Marketing Representative for cause and pursuant to the procedures of YourTravelBiz.com in connection with the involuntary termination of Independent Marketing Representative status for cause.

No cessation of network marketing sales, bankruptcy proceedings, or sale or assignment of the right to receive future RTA monthly revenues, or other act or occurrence whatsoever, shall be deemed to defeat or otherwise be superior to the right of the present and future Independent Marketing Representative of YourTravelBiz.com to receive residual commissions as set forth herein.

No fee, purchase or renewal of Independent Marketing Representative status shall ever be required of present and future Independent Marketing Representative of YourTravelBiz.com as a condition of their receipt of future residual commissions.In order to further secure, provide and protect the rights of its present and future Independent Marketing Representative to receive residual commissions as set forth in this Policy and Procedure, YourTravelBiz.com has filed with the offices of the Secretary of States of Illinois, and of New Jersey, a UCC-1 Financing statement securing to all present and future Independent Marketing Representatives of YourTravelBiz.com their residual commissions upon future RTA monthly payments.

Dated this 1st day of September, 2005.

YTB Travel Network - Points of Interest

The range of options to be found on each RTA's website is really quite awesome. Just like all the big name Fortune 500 companies, our websites provide the ability to search for flights, find a hotel, rent a car, search for cruises and find vacation packages.

Within each of these are further options, like quick get-a-ways and last minute deals but where I believe the RTA's website really shines is in the extras. The YTB Travel Network provides an extraordinary amount of extras.

You can find:
Event Tickets: concerts, Disney Theme Parks, Las Vegas shows
Golf Tee Times
Sightseeing Activities
Deliver My Luggage
Honeymoon Registry
Send Flowers

These perks bring the experience alive, providing many resources for the traveler's needs as well as a fun experience while booking with the YTB Travel Network.
You can book tons of travel and have fun doing it.

Recently YTB and the YTB Travel Network outdid themselves when they revealed the new YTBGOlf websites, which provide a total golf experience for those who are booking their vacations and spending time at their favorite golf courses.

Congratulations to Juliet St. John

YTB congratulates Juliet St. John on achieving Level 4 Director. Level 4 YTB Directors have attained 10,000 RTAs in their downline.

Juliet will receive an amazing $250,000 bonus! (She is shown at the left receiving her custom designed Ruby ring for YTB earnings from Coach Lloyd Tomer at the 2005 National Convention.

Juliet states, "When I sell YTB, my main focus is TRAVEL!" She emphasizes and encourages her team members to promote their travel websites to everyone they meet; as prospects realize the benefits of owning their own home based travel business and choose to share those benefits with others, their earnings AND downlines increase accordingly!

YTB Does it Again

YTB Travel & Cruises Earns Carnival Cruise Lines' Prestigious Pinnacle Award at the Funshine Travel Trade Show

We are proud to announce that Carnival Cruise Lines has awarded YTB Travel & Cruises its highest award - The Pinnacle Award - for Production and Outstanding Partnership. Ann Sedgwick, Business Development Director for Carnival Cruise Lines, visited the home office on Tuesday, April 12, to make the presentation to Kim Sorensen, President of YTB Travel & Cruises.

Less than 175 travel agencies in the United States and Canada are recipients of this recognition of an agency’s tremendous support of Carnival Cruise Lines. Everyone at YTB was on hand for this special event. Thanks to all of our RTAs who support Carnival as we continue to grow and become the largest online travel agency in the world!

52,269

I wanted to share something that I'm personally very proud of about this company. In actually perspective, my roll in this was actually very little. It does show just what kind of people I work with and work for. To realize that I’m still in the infant stage of this company and see what is happening…the vendor awards from Carnival, Holland America, Apple Vacations, and the “Success from Home” publication, and now a new company goal for the entire year that was reached a few weeks ago.

YTB reached its Dec 31, 2006 goal of 52,269 Referring Travel Agents (RTA'S) on Oct 19, 2006.

There was celebration at the home office after the announcement was made during a record setting crowd attended Red Carpet Day Orientation where 350 visitors touring the home office witnessed the excitement of the moment as the bonus presentation was kept secret from the 129 employees until the announcement was made on Thursday. Previously, YTB home office employees were given a bonus equal to $50 for every month they have been employed by YTB not to exceed $1500.

In January 2006, when YTB had only 21,000 RTA's, YTB founders Coach, Scott, and Kim spoke with all the employees in a group setting telling them that YTB's 2006 goal for RTA's by December 31, 2006 was 52,269. The whole room went silent right after the announcement was made because the employees did the math and it seemed ridiculous to them that if it took 5 years of hard work really getting with it after becoming a company to reach 21,000 RTA's, to reach a number 2 ½ times that size in one year was not possible.

However, CEO Scott Tomer told the group that when, not if, we reach our goal each employee would receive a Christmas bonus of 3 times the amount of last year's bonus. The employees quickly did the math.

All of the sudden the fever caught on. Signs posted on Clocks and everywhere were made with the number 52,269, even in the restrooms. It became a part of the home office culture to focus on that goal. They were saying, “What can I do today to help YTB get there?” Excitement and commitment reigned. Every employee, new and old, knew of the goal and the potential for each of them. Everyone tracked the number every day; everyone. They knew what kind of money was at stake. Instead of receiving a $600 Christmas bonus for being an employee for one year, 3 x $600 = $1800. An employee who maxed out at the $1500 bonus would get a $4500 bonus.

So when the meeting took place at the home office to announce that YTB had reached its 2006 goal of 52,269 something very surprising happened.

The top 3 RTA's of YTB who are either at the level 4 or 5 director position were in attendance at the presentation. Each of these directors stepped up to the plate and said they wanted to contribute an amount equal to one more bonus for each of the employees, making it 4 times their regular Christmas bonus. YTB founders, Coach, Scott, and Kim agreed and all of a sudden there lots of tears and kisses, expressions of gratitude.

Over $300,000 was given out that afternoon. Throughout the afternoon people were talking, telling stories, emails and smiles among all of the 129 employees at YTB home office in Edwardsville, IL about the generosity of the leaders and sales people of YTB. All employees' lifestyles were improved that day. Some will use their Christmas Bonus to pay off bills, fix a car, a down payment on a new house, and some of the money will go for college expenses, parents to be comforted, weddings to be planned, vacation dreams to come true. You would have to have been there to see the tears on Coach’s face. He was experiencing the joy of giving. YTB employees experienced the hearts of all who made this bonus possible by their extreme generosity.

That bonus turned 129 employees into loyal marketers, supporters, and defenders of YTB to the death. They know that YTB is the best of the best places of anywhere in the world to work.

Travel business eyes old Kmart building

YTB International Inc. is planning a $6 million renovation of the former Kmart property so it can move its headquarters and more than 100 jobs to town, which is currently located at 1 Country Club View Drive in Edwardsville and has annual revenue of $30 million, is working with a local group, Hedgewood Development Co., and city officials in a effort to bring the company to town.

City Manager Jim Schneider said YTB's announcement comes on the heels of another development group's plans to demolish the former Kmart along Illinois Route 143 to make way for a $10 million to $12 million automobile dealership complex that will include Federico Chrysler-Dodge Inc. and Jack Schmitt of Alton Inc. (Alton Centers Nissan).

Mayor Fred Ufert said the new plan calls for the dealerships to instead build on land west of the Kmart property, at the intersection of 143 and Lakin Boulevard.

"We're just getting additional business, which is great for the city," Ufert said.

Andy Cauthen, chief operating officer of YTB, said executives with the company are thrilled about moving to Wood River. They liked their location in Edwardsville but the company was unable to find property large enough to accommodate the growing business.

"We simply outgrew our space and needed more room," Cauthen said.

He said after the company moved into its Edwardsville digs in 2005 it started to grow and within the first month the business, which had occupied two floors needed more room.

"We believe we will have enough room at the new location," he said. "There is nearly 100,000 square feet that we can renovate."

Ufert said the city was notified on Friday that YTB definitely plans to move its corporate offices to Wood River.

"We're excited about it," he said. "It creates construction jobs, which is something we like to see."
Ufert said the city did not offer the company any incentives to move.

On Monday night the City Council tabled an amendment of the economic incentive agreement it had voted on regarding the dealerships in June. The agreement calls for the city to rebate a portion of sales tax during the next 10 years. The amendment reflects the new location of the dealership complex.

Cauthen said the company liked the location and could renovate the old Kmart site for around $40 per square foot, which is significantly less than the $200 per square foot it would cost to construct a new building.

A company profile given to city officials show a projected three-year growth for YTB.

Cauthen said Lloyd "Coach" Tomer and his son Scott Tomer, along with J. Kim Sorenson, started the travel company in 2001 inside the First National Bank building on East Third Street in Alton with six employees. Since then, the business has grown into a financially stable and publicly traded company that develops, sells and supports on-line travel booking engine Web sites and has more than 35,000 referring travel agents nationwide.

The company operates three divisions: yourTravelBiz.com, REZconnect Technologies Inc. and YTB Travel Network. It currently employs 107 people, Cauthen said.

By June 2009 the company projects it will employee around 600 or more people and will earn more than $338 million in revenue.

Cauthen said the company's track record of growth during the next three to five years anticipates salaries of more than $35 million for the Wood River-based staff. He said more than 30,000 guests will tour the home office and spend $6 million or more on hotels and $3 million on meals and entertainment; and the company will spend almost $2 million on food services special events and training for the sales force.

Hedgewood purchased the 13-acre site where the Kmart building is located in 2003.

Don Brown, executive director of Hedgewood, said the development group had planned to redevelop the site, however it seemed too costly to rehab the former retail store until now. He said the project was a win-win situation for all involved.

Hedgewood also owns the 8-acre site where the dealerships will locate and another 11 acres across the road adjacent to Shop 'N Save.

Schneider said he believes the two projects will spur even more development along Illinois Route 143. He also envisions one day building a hotel in that area.

Hotel chain executives have talked with city officials about wanting to build on the east end near Illinois 255, Ufert said.

Schneider said YTB executives informed him that if a hotel were built in Wood River they would be able to guarantee a set number of bookings per month, which could be a nice incentive for a hotel chain.

Cauthen said each year between 8,000 and 10,000 people travel to the company from all over the United States for training and to learn more about the business.

"Most of the people who fly here stay for a few days and they usually have to stay outside of town," he said.

Once the final details are worked out, renovation of the building is expected get under way sometime this fall.

YTB International - Top 30 Small Public Companies!

Recent Growth Earns Company Recognition on New PCMC Bulletin Board 30 Index(TM)

Public Company Management Corporation (OTCBB:PUBC) announced today that it has included online travel service provider YTB International, Inc. (OTCBB:YTBL.PK) on the newly released PCMC Bulletin Board 30 Index(TM), which includes the top 30 companies trading on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB). The index was created as a service to the millions of investors that follow companies traded only on the Over the Counter markets.

"Congratulations is in order for YTB International," said Stephen Brock, president of Public Company Management Corporation and founder of the PCMC Bulletin Board 30 Index(TM). "It's quite a feat for a small business simply to become a public company. YTB International has not only done that, but has become one of the leading companies trading on the OTCBB. YTB International is an exciting company to watch, and we look forward to continuing to track its progress on the index."

About YTB International, Inc.
YTB International is a leading provider of Internet-based travel services with several complementary divisions:

-- YTB Travel Network provides support services for its more than 15,000 Referral Travel Agents who sell travel-related services.

-- REZconnect Technologies develops online travel stores for full-service agencies, operates a travel agent portal site, and operates several franchise systems and storefront locations throughout the United States, including franchise locations within Wal-Mart SuperCenters.

-- REZcity.com, YTB's latest online business model, was rated as one of the top 500 franchise companies by Entrepreneur Magazine in January 2005.

-- YourTravelBiz.com is the company's marketing division, selling an online travel business through a national network of independent distributors.

For more information, visit http://finance.yahoo.com/q?d=t&s=YTBL.PK

Watch The Presentation Today and See For Yourself!

YTB Featured in National Publication

Success from Home Magazine to feature YourTravelBiz.com. YTB National Convention announces “Guaranteed Income” for Home Based Business.

YTB Travel Network announced at the National Convention in St. Louis this past weekend that the company will be featured in “Success from Home” magazine. More than 40,000 representatives are now poised to take advantage of the credibility and momentum this publication will create. The morning of the convention, YTB announced that it would guarantee commissions of $6000 by using this dynamic magazine.

Home Based Business Owners and Referring Travel Agents in YTB like Bernard Hsu, founder of Sundance Travel, knows from experience just how important this announcement is for anyone looking for success in Network Marketing. “It’s never been done before,” states Bernard “Last year it was The Bill of Rights, Group Life and Health Insurance Benefits, and Stock Options. This year it’s “Guaranteed Income”. People who think YTB is some sort of Pyramid or Scam need to get their hands on this issue.” He continues “Don't take my word for it, take theirs. I'll get you a copy and let you read for yourself what type of leadership and company this really is.” Representatives have already placed hundreds of orders with the company to get this National publication into the hands of everyone they can.

Mr. Hsu continues, “People always ask me, “How do you market your business?” Now we have the answer, simply hand them this magazine and let it do the selling and marketing for you.” After Representatives give the magazine to prospects, they simply log the name, phone number and e-mail address into the system. With little effort, just 5 magazines a week, the company will guarantee that the representative will produce at least $6000 in commissionable sales, or the company will cover the difference.

The founders of this company such as J. Lloyd Tomer also know as Coach, his son Scott Tomer, and J. Kim Sorensen have always come up with innovative solutions for those that have failed before in Network Marketing or those new to the industry, who desire success. They are rapidly changing the way Network Marketing or MLM is run. “These are written contracts” Bernard states. “They know it’s Representatives in the field that drive this business, and they want to change what this industry is all about. These documents were written and signed by the founders and can never be changed or altered.”

From what others have experienced in MLM type companies, Mr. Hsu appears to be correct. Never before in Network Marketing has a company based commissions based on efforts, rather than results. So confident are the founders and leaders of the company, they are willing to pay “Guaranteed Income” because of the momentum phase the company has recently reached and the credibility of YTB that “Success from Home” brings to light.

YTB International, Inc. is a five year old, publicly traded, debt free; internet based Travel Company based in Edwardsville, Illinois. Research has shown in past business models these companies experience exceptional growth from the solid foundation YTB has created. The founders are confident Your Travel Biz is in position right now to hit unprecedented growth and momentum and ensure representatives that this leverage will achieve both personal success in their own Home Based Business, and company success in Network Marketing.

“We spent the last 5 years getting ready for this moment. We've taken the guess work out of it.” Mr. Hsu adds. “We have cities and towns who have just 5 or 10 Representatives in them, and we need hundreds. Ever wish you could have gotten in on the ground floor with Microsoft or Home Depot? Now you can.”

For more information about this dynamic program and magazine, visit www.ytbguarantee.biz to get your free copy.