ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1999--Dick Smith, formerly senior vice president and chief information officer for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, has joined Luxury Travel Company (LTC) as its chief information officer. Smith will have responsibility for the technology systems and infrastructure that support the business. He began work with LTC on March 29 and will report to Travis Tanner, chief executive officer.

LTC is a holding company with plans to become the preeminent supplier of luxury and adventure travel services to affluent customers around the world. It will accomplish this initially through the acquisition of high-end tour operators and packagers. LTC plans to announce the names of these tour companies within 60 days.

"We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dick's technological expertise and business knowledge join our company," said Tanner. "We believe technology will set us apart from the competition and there's no one more qualified or creative than Dick to lead our technological charge."

With the combined resources of multiple, high-quality travel service and tour operators, LTC will develop technology to enhance the distribution of its travel offers. A comprehensive web-based transactional system will be created as an alternative to brochures and traditional CRSs. According to Smith, travel agents as well as Internet users will be able to access the system to browse, research and purchase vacation packages offered by LTC and other leading tour operators.

"I am thrilled to be on the cutting-edge of what will be new and exciting technology," said Smith. "Luxury Travel intends to build or acquire `best in class' software which will allow us to grow effectively and leverage our infrastructure and technology systems."

Smith joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel in 1996. He had global responsibility for the development, direction and support of all new and existing technology products for the business travel management company. Prior to Carlson, Smith was senior vice president & CIO, Information Technology, with Holiday Inn Worldwide (1990-1996). He led a major initiative to install common front office systems and implemented an industry leading yield management system worldwide.

From 1989-1990, Smith was vice president, International Systems, for Federal Express. He also worked as: vice president, Information Systems, Flying Tiger, Inc. (1987-1989); vice president, Information Services Group, Irvine Company (1986-1987); and vice president, Corporate Information Systems, Carlson Companies, Inc. (1981-1986).

Smith graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and completed graduate course work at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

About Luxury Travel Company: Founded in 1998, Luxury Travel Company's vision is to create the preeminent supplier of luxury and adventure travel services to affluent customers around the world. The strategy includes gaining scale through acquisitions, increasing distribution channel efficiency with the development of new technology, and expanding marketing efforts by creating additional distribution channels. Luxury Travel was founded by Terry L. Robertson, president and chief operating officer, and Dwain K. Wall, chief development officer.