Company Press Release: Travel Services International, Inc.
April 7, 2000
DELRAY BEACH, FL -- Airtours plc is pleased announce that Peter McHugh has been appointed President and Chief Executive
Officer of Travel Services International, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVL). Joseph Vittoria will continue with Travel Services
International as its Executive Chairman, a role he has held since its initial public offering in 1997.
John Balson, who is the current President and Chief Operating Officer of Travel Services International, will resign
to return to the private equity business. John Balson joined the Company in 1999 with a particular focus on strengthening
the management team and building an e-commerce business. Mr. Vittoria commented, ``We thank John for his valuable
contributions over the past year and wish him great success as he moves on to other challenges.''
Mr. McHugh has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, particularly the air and cruise segments. He
joins Travel Services International from Holland America Westours, Inc. where he was President and Chief Operating
Officer. Prior to that he was Chief Operating Officer of Pan American World Airlines and held various senior positions
at TWA.
Peter McHugh said, ``I am looking forward to the exciting challenge of working with Airtours and Joseph Vittoria
to continue the growth of Travel Services International.''
Joseph Vittoria commented, ``We anticipate many new opportunities to expand, grow and refine our business operations
within the Airtours Group. Peter brings with him a great deal of valuable experience that will benefit the Company
in its future development. I look forward to working with him to take Travel Services International forward.''
Travel Services International is a leading specialized distributor of travel products including cruise holidays,
holiday packages, domestic and international airline tickets and European auto rentals, and is a leading provider
of travel services, such as electronic hotel reservation services, specialized hotel programs and services and
incentive travel programs. The Company provides its services to both travel agents and travelers, offering a unique
combination of specialized expertise, the ability to compare options from multiple travel providers and competitive
prices. For more information about Travel Services International, visit its web site at www.mytravelco.com .
Airtours is the world's largest air inclusive tour operator, carrying over 10 million passengers a year. The Group's
earnings derive from tour operations in the U.K., Ireland, Scandinavia, the U.S., Canada, Poland, Holland, Belgium,
France and, through its associate FTi, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In addition, Airtours operates aircraft,
retail travel agencies, hotels and cruise ships. Airtours is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
CONTACT: Joseph V. Vittoria, Chairman of Travel Services International, Inc., 561-266-0860; or General, Doug DeLieto,
or Media, Martin Gitlin, both of The Financial Relations Board, 212-661-8030.
SOURCE: Travel Services International, Inc.