YTB International's Annual Convention Draws Over 6,150 Attendees

WOOD RIVER, Ill., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- YTB International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: YTBLA) ("YTB" or the "Company"), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced the conclusion of another successful Convention in St. Louis, MO, with approximately 6,150 in attendance.

YTB's 2009 Convention was held at the America's Center in St. Louis between July 29 and August 1. During the first two days of the Convention, attendees had the opportunity to select from 79 business classes at YTB University. These classes were taught by field leaders, corporate staff, and outside professionals. During the General Sessions, the Company recognized the past year's high sales achievers, provided team building ideas, inspirational and motivational seminars, and announced several company-wide initiatives. The centerpiece for the General Sessions' spectacular outdoor rock concert stage highlighted the Convention theme, "Taking Care of Business."

YTB made several announcements at the Convention with respect to new initiatives and marketing plans that have been put in place by the Company. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive shopping experience on the Internet, the Company launched "shopYTB," a brand new technology platform with expanded capabilities including features that help users search, select, sell and earn. The Company also announced a new purchase plan, effective July 31, 2009, that features two ways to purchase an Internet Business Center where new Site Owners can pay an initial fee of $449.90 plus a monthly hosting fee of $49.95 all up front, or can get started for as little as $99.95.

Scott Tomer, CEO of YTB International commented, "Despite the difficult economic environment that so many people are facing, a large number of our TSOs undertook the expense to attend this year's Convention. This annual event is very significant and important to our Company as it allows us to recognize and honor the very foundation of our company, our Site Owners. We are experiencing tremendous momentum coming out of our convention, and our Site Owners are leaving with a greater understanding of the travel industry, our positioning within it, and the effort that is needed to secure their financial independence and propel YTB to new heights".

About YTB International

YTB International, Inc. was recognized as the 25th largest seller of travel in the U.S. in Travel Weekly's 2009 Power List, based on 2008 annual retail value of travel services booked.

YTB provides Internet-based travel booking services for home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Canada, Bermuda, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company operates through three subsidiaries: YTB Marketing, Inc. (formerly YourTravelBiz.com, Inc.), YTB Travel Network, Inc., and YTB Franchise Services, Inc.

For more information about YTB International visit http://www.ytb.com or http://www.thefactsaboutytb.com.

Certain matters set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such performance involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. For a discussion of certain factors that may cause such forward-looking statements to differ materially from the Company's actual results, see the Company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

    Investor Contacts:
    Yemi Rose
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    212-896-1233

SOURCE YTB International, Inc.