• August 14, 2003

Newsweek Budget Travel has tabbed Erik Torkells as editor of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel. Torkells, who arrives from Fortune, boasts significant category experience from his previous tenure at Travel + Leisure. Frommer, the magazine's namesake, will remain as editor in chief and "the guiding spirit behind Budget Travel," according to a company press release. He will continue to contribute to the title's strategic direction and has been charged with identifying brand-extension opportunities. Launched in 1998, Budget Travel was purchased by Newsweek in 1999. Since then, it has grown its rate base from 250,000 to 500,000 and become the top newsstand seller among travel magazines. In 2003, the mag increased its frequency from bimonthly to ten times per year.