About USTOA

United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a professional, voluntary trade association created with the primary purpose of promoting integrity within the tour operator industry.


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.


Today, USTOA Active members represent some of the top names in travel and tourism, and account for a sizeable portion of the tour operator market in North America. 



History and Accomplishments


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 cessation of business.  


Over the years, the plan has been strengthened in response to changing economic times. Today, the USTOA $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 ongoing public relations and consumer awareness campaigns, we educate the traveling public about the benefits of packaged vacations. We help destinations and travel entities build tourism through organizing workshops, product development trips 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 Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. State Department and other government entities to facilitate tourism worldwide.


Mission and Goals


USTOA was started to foster trust in tour operators, and its motto, “Integrity in Tourism” requires members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry. Among these is the principle of ethical conduct, which requires members to conduct business according to a set of professional standards which include representing all facts, conditions and requirements relating to tours and vacation packages truthfully and accurately.


Truth in Advertising requires that members advertise and quote prices which are totally deliverable; accurately identify facilities, accommodations and services; and communicate any substitutions promptly to the travel agent and/or their client.


Members must also demonstrate ethical and financial responsibility in their business conduct in order to instill confidence in their financial stability, reliability and integrity.


Among USTOA's goals are to:



    • Educate the travel industry, government agencies, and the public about tours, vacation packages, and tour operators;

    • Protect consumers and travel advisors from financial loss in the event of a USTOA Active Member's bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business;

    • Foster a high level of professionalism within the tour operator industry;

    • Promote and develop travel on a worldwide basis.

Latest USTOA Blog Posts


Floating Down the Path to Zero Waste 
Floating Down the Path to Zero Waste  By: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Some travelers start to worry when they see their favorite brands start developing “greener practices.” Maybe they suspect greenwashing, maybe an excuse to cut costs… or maybe they care deeply about sustainability, but don’t want to make sacrifices with their hard-earned vacations.   Not… Read More
Meet Australia’s First Nations in Three Amazing Stops 
Meet Australia’s First Nations in Three Amazing Stops  By: Christian Baines Australia is a land of superlatives. Besides the world’s biggest island, it’s also home to the world’s oldest living culture. Around 500 Aboriginal nations are spread across all six of Australia’s states and two territories today. With distinct languages, traditions, legends, and methods of… Read More
Nordic Countries Once Again Named “World’s Happiest” 
Nordic Countries Once Again Named “World’s Happiest” By Madigan Talmage-Bowers, TCS World Travel  As in past years, Nordic and northern European countries have claimed the top spots on the list of “world’s happiest countries” in the 2023 World Happiness Report, an annual ranking that aims to quantify the aspirational concept of happiness around the globe… Read More
USTOA $1 Million
Travelers Assistance Program

A travel vacation should not only be an unforgettable experience, but offer solid peace of mind. That’s why USTOA created a consumer protection fund which protects consumers who book with our Active Members.

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