YTB International, Inc., the controversial provider of Internet-based travel booking services, reported a net loss of $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2008. This compares to a net loss of $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2007.
The company said the loss is primarily attributable to stock awards, and promotional and expansion expenses totaling approximately $3.1 million. As of March 31, 2008, the company had $1.3 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Total revenue for the quarter ending March 31, 2008 increased 76.7% to $42.7 million, compared to $24.2 million for the first quarter of last year. The company's property and equipment increased 22.7 percent from the December 31, 2007 balance of $15.4 million to $18.9 million as of March 31, 2008.
The number of RTAs (Referring Travel Agents) increased to 138,814 in the first quarter of 2008 from 82,932 in the comparable quarter of 2007. The company believes the significant increase in number of RTAs is attributable to the emerging market shift for travel services to the Internet.
"During this first quarter we continued to focus on the sale of travel by our RTAs, as well as the strengthening of our executive team," said Scott Tomer, CEO of YTB. "Looking forward, we plan on continuing to execute our stated mission to revolutionize the travel field by offering affordable travel and unique opportunities for motivated individuals to participate within this burgeoning industry.
"We see our recent move to the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board as a positive step forward for us, and welcome the new investors that are now able to participate in the growth of our company." For information: www.ytbi.com