NEW YORK – September 12, 2017 – Terry Dale, president and CEO of The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), announced today that AmaWaterways, an award-winning river cruise line, has joined the association as its newest Active Member. This is the fifth new Active membership to join the association in 2017, bringing USTOA’s current total to 56 Active Members representing nearly 160 brands.
“We’re delighted to welcome AmaWaterways and their rich river expertise to USTOA,” added Dale. “River cruising continues to rise in popularity amongst travelers. In under a year, USTOA has welcomed four new river cruise lines as Active Members, reinforcing sustained growth for this travel segment.”
“We are thrilled to become a member of USTOA as they share the same passion and vision for travel that we represent here at AmaWaterways,” said Jerre Fuqua, chief marketing officer of AmaWaterways.
Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner adds, “My father, Jimmy Murphy was a founding member, chairman, and lifetime member of USTOA. Using ongoing consumer awareness campaigns, USTOA educates travel enthusiasts about the benefits of packaged vacations and we’re eager to help them further enlighten travelers about the wonders of river cruising. Their motto – ‘Integrity in Tourism’ – directly aligns with our beliefs and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for our new alliance.”
A family-owned company celebrating 15 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 20 ships that sail in Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique “twin balconies”; its wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning dining – including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, each ship carries less than 164 guests.
AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including 2016 Cruise Critics Editors’ Pick Award as “Best River Cruise Line” and Town & Country River Cruise Awards as “Best Overall,” “Best For Food,” “Best For Onboard Activities” and “Best For On-Shore Activities.”
AmaWaterways is located at 26010 Mureau Road, 200, Calabasas, CA 91302. For more information, visit www.AmaWaterways.com, call (800) 626-0126 or contact a local travel professional.
For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.
About USTOA:
Representing nearly $15 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 8.6 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.
As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
Contact:
Gina Dolecki/Katherine Henry
Redpoint
212-229-0119
dolecki@redpointspeaks.com / henry@redpointspeaks.com
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