United States Tour Operators Association: Smart Travel with Tours and Packages

Simply stated, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a professional association representing the tour operator industry. We are composed of companies whose tours and packages encompass the entire globe and who conduct business in the U.S.

USTOA was founded in 1972 by a small group of California tour operators concerned about tour operator bankruptcies. These founding members recognized the need for a unified voice to protect the traveling public, as well as to represent the interests of tour operators. In 1975, USTOA became a national organization with headquarters in New York.

USTOA members number among the top names in travel and represent the entire spectrum of vacation packages and tours available today. In fact, our member companies are responsible for the majority of tours and vacation packages sold by travel agents in the U.S.

According to a recent survey, USTOA companies move more than 11 million passengers annually and account for an annual sales volume of more than $9 billion. This sales success story reflects the organization's pledge to encourage and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service.

Tour Operator Membership

To become an Active Member of USTOA, a tour operator is required to have a total of 18 references from a variety of industry sources and financial institutions and must meet specific minimums in terms of tour passengers and/or dollar volume. The company must also be in business at least three years under the same management in the U.S. and must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 professional liability insurance.

Another important membership requirement is adherence to USTOA's strict code of ethics, which is framed by a pledge to encourage and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service.

In addition to these requirements, all USTOA Active Members must participate in USTOA's $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. All Active Tour Operator Members of USTOA carry this logo on their printed materials and/or websites, indicating their participation in the Travelers Assistance Program.

Supplier Membership

In addition to its Active Member tour operators, USTOA provides for and welcomes travel suppliers into its membership. This invitation is extended to responsible industry and governmental entities and organizations whose interests and purposes are compatible with those of USTOA... to encourage and support professional and financial integrity in tourism and in the future of the travel industry.

Associate Membership is offered to airlines, head offices of organizations, associations and multiple locations of suppliers of tour products and services, government agencies and others interested in developing travel but not directly serving tour passengers.

Allied Membership is available on a single location basis to suppliers directly serving travelers on tour itineraries, the trade press and certain other communications and promotional entities.

Both Associate and Allied Members of USTOA should carry the SUPPLIER MEMBER OF USTOA logo on their printed materials and/or websites. As suppliers, Associate and Allied Members of USTOA do not participate in the Travelers Assistance Program.