MOUNT JACKSON, Va. Byways magazine, which for the past dozen years has been circulated to hundreds of motorcoach charter and tour operators by the National Motorcoach Network, has converted to an electronic publication distributed via the internet, and increased its circulation to 500,000 travelers in the U.S. and Canada.

Byways Editor and Publisher Steve Kirchner said the chance to create a group travel publication for the mass consumer market was "just too tempting to pass up, especially at a time when advertising interest in small publications like Byways is declining."

Kirchner also is founder of National Motorcoach Network, one of North Americas largest motorcoach marketing networks.

With Byways transition to the internet for its October issue, Kirchner said the magazine is adding more than a half-million, pre-qualified frequent traveler consumers to its complimentary subscription list.

They are joining the 4,000 motorcoach charter and tour operators who have been receiving the 40-page, 5.5 inch-by-8.5 inch publication that has been around for 26 years. For more than half its lifetime, Byways was distributed by National Motorcoach Network members on their coaches.

Kirchner said Byways is retaining its base of motorcoach charter and tour companies, which operate in excess of 100,000 motorcoach charters and tours annually.

"Now, for the first time, consumers with an interest in North American travel destinations will receive the publication as well," he said.

Kirchner also noted that despite the increase in circulation, Byways is freezing its advertising rates to continue to appeal to group tour advertisers. Complimentary subscriptions to Byways are available to individuals in the motorcoach industry, the travel trade, and to consumers with an interest in exploring North American destinations.

To request a free subscription, go to www.motorcoach.com/byways. To see the electronic October issue, go to http://flip24.com/issues/byways/1/.