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USTOA BACKGROUNDER

Founded in 1972, the United States Tour Operators Association is a professional association representing the tour operator industry. Its members are made up of companies whose tours and packages encompass the entire globe but who conduct business in the U.S.

USTOA Activities

As a voice for the tour operator industry, USTOA represents this vital sector in matters pertaining to the travel industry as a whole -- both here and abroad. USTOA additionally serves as an advocate for the tour operator industry in communicating with various government agencies.

Consumer Protection

Among USTOA's goals are consumer protection and education. Through educational pamphlets, advertising, and editorial coverage, USTOA informs the traveling public on how to be a better consumer. The organization has established a Travelers Assistance Program, which among other requirements, stipulates that each Active Corporate USTOA member post a $1 million bond to help protect consumers in the event of a member bankruptcy or insolvency.

Industry Communications

The organization also provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and communication through an annual "Marketplace." Here, USTOA's Active tour operator members can enter into a dialogue with USTOA's Associate and Allied members, who represent leading airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses.

USTOA numbers among its Active members some of the leading tour operators in the travel industry. They must subscribe to the organization's strict code of ethics. Members are required to clearly represent all information pertaining to tours, to maintain a high level of professionalism, and to clearly state all costs and facilities in advertising and promotional materials.

To qualify for USTOA Active Membership, a tour operator must meet the organization's requirements, which are among the most stringent in the industry. These include a total of 18 references from a variety of reputable industry organizations, and specific minimums in terms of passengers and/or dollar volume. Additionally, members must be in business for three years under the same ownership and/or management in the U.S., and participate in USTOA's Travelers Assistance Program by posting $1 million in the form of a bond or letter of credit.

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Press Contact:

Linda Kundell
Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798 phone
(212) 877-3387 fax
LRKPR@att.net or LRKPR@aol.com

For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.