The association made history in 1976 when it became the first travel organization to establish a consumer protection fund, followed by a $100,000 per member bonding requirement to protect consumers' tour deposits and payments in case of bankruptcy or default.

Over the years, the plan has been strengthened in response to changing economic times. Today, our $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program -- which requires each member company to set aside $1 million of its own funds specifically to protect consumers' deposits and payments -- is recognized as the strongest of its kind in the industry.

But, USTOA does far more. Through an ongoing public relations campaign and consumer pamphlets, we educate the traveling public about the benefits of packaged vacations. We help destinations and travel entities build tourism through organizing workshops, site inspections, and meetings.

Last but not least, USTOA's highly active government affairs committee has tirelessly championed a policy of open borders. The committee has worked successfully with the U.S. State Department and other government entities to facilitate tourism worldwide.