NEW PROGRAM HELPS NON-PROFITS TURN VACATIONS INTO DONATIONS

July 29, 2005 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
Alton, Illinois – Forget the candy, bake sales and clunker car programs, travel is the ultimate fund raiser for non-profits. That’s the message from YTB International, Inc. as they rollout their new Travel Affinity Program. The innovative program provides non-profit organizations a dramatically different way to raise substantial funds for their organization. And, when most non-profits are struggling for funding it couldn’t come at a better time.

YTB is helping non-profits by providing each organization with a “private label” online travel booking website (similar to Expedia®). Each website is customized with the organization name and logo. The website is then promoted to the organization supporters and members to use to book their personal or business travel. Bookings can be made for air, car rental, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and more. Travel prices quoted are typically comparable to or below other well-known travel booking websites.

As supporters use the organization’s travel website, YTB will donate 40% of all the travel commissions generated back to the organization. YTB will handle all ticketing, bookkeeping, and commission tracking, as well as, assist with marketing campaigns and provide ongoing support. The program also provides a “back office” which allows easy access for organizations to monitor travel and commission activity.

The Travel Affinity Program can provide a consistent, ongoing source of funds and can raise thousands of dollars per year for an organization. Ideal non-profits for the program include organizations with membership/supporter rosters of approximately 1,000 or higher. Examples of appropriate organizations include service, fraternal, health, alumni, political, environmental, charity, religious (including churches) and educational organizations.

As a retired minister, Lloyd (Coach) Tomer, YTB International’s chairman and founder, knows first hand the financial challenges of a non-profit organization. Coach Tomer states, “Non-Profit organizations are created to serve our communities and enrich our lives. We all benefit if they can stay focused on their individual purpose instead of always having to scramble for new funding.”

YTB International, Inc was established in 2000 as an internet based travel management company. In four short years the company has become a major service provider in the competitive travel industry through innovative ideas such as the Travel Affinity Program. In 2004, YTB International, Inc became publicly traded and trades under the symbol YTBL. YTB International will market their Travel Affinity Program through specially trained, local representatives. ###