The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has unveiled its newly-redesigned website (www.ustoa.com), which offers invaluable resources for travelers looking to plan a vacation. Features include information about what exactly tours and vacation packages are; consumer advice on how to be a "Smart Traveler" and know exactly what to expect from a vacation; a vacation planner; and information about USTOA itself.
USTOA's website explains the advantages of choosing to travel with a member company. These include strict ethical guidelines that USTOA members must adhere to, its commitment to consumer awareness, and the USTOA $1 Million Consumer Protection Plan, which reimburses travelers in the case of a member company's bankruptcy or default.
USTOA's site also provides comprehensive information on tours and vacation packages, a glossary of travel terms, and frequently asked questions about tours and vacation packages.
Once users are familiar with what tours and vacation packages are, they can visit the VacationPackager, a search engine allowing travelers to key in specifics of what they would like to do and/or where they want to go. The search can be either very broad or very narrow: for instance, a visitor can enter a country or region, a price range, the number of days, departure date, and/or a specific type of vacation (i.e. a walking tour). The VacationPackager will then provide a list of options available through USTOA members. Specials and discounts are highlighted on the page. From there, users can link to the companies' web sites for more information. The research done through the USTOA website can then be taken to a travel agent for additional guidance, and to book the trip.
About USTOA
As the premier organization of its kind, USTOA represents 122 brand names, offering tours and vacations worldwide. The Association's Active Member companies move some nine million travelers yearly, accounting for $5 billion in travel sales. USTOA Members' offerings account for the majority of all tours and packages sold by travel agents in the U.S.
For a listing of USTOA Active Member companies, as well as a free copy of USTOA's "Smart Traveler's Planning Kit," contact USTOA, 342 Madison Ave., Suite 1522. New York, NY 10173; or phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862); or e-mail USTOA@aol.com. The information in the "Smart Traveler's Planning Kit" is also available at www.ustoa.com.
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Editor Note: All USTOA press releases and background material are now available for viewing and downloading on USTOA's Web site. Go to www.ustoa.com and click on "Press Room."
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
