New York, NY –December 13, 2005-- Effective December 13, Maupintour has officially withdrawn its USTOA membership and, as such, no longer participates in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which includes the organization’s $1 Million Consumer Protection bond.

“Travel agents should be aware that purchases made to Maupintour prior to December 13 were fully covered by the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. However, client payments thereafter are not covered,” advises USTOA President, Bob Whitley.

Whitley explained that, because Maupintour has been sold, the company no longer qualifies for USTOA membership. Under USTOA bylaws a company must be under the same management and ownership for three consecutive years.

“We have enjoyed having Maupintour as a USTOA member, and we hope that the company will apply for membership in the future,” says Whitley.

Information on USTOA is available at www.ustoa.com, at 212-599-6599 or by e-mailing information@ustoa.com.