Published Jul 12, 2016 12:00AM
NEW YORK – July 12, 2016 – The United States Tour Operators Association bestowed its first USTOA Champion in Travel Award to Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) during its annual Congressional Caucus in Washington, D.C. on June 16, 2016.
USTOA Chairman Paula Twidale, executive vice president of Collette, presented Congressman Farr with the award (pictured), noting that he has been a valued friend and champion of the travel industry.
“Congressman Farr is a leading Congressional voice and figure. He serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, where he leads a bipartisan group of members to promote important travel and tourism issues that may impact the industry,” said Twidale.
She also noted that alongside the work he does in the Travel Caucus, the Congressman supports several critical pieces of legislation for USTOA and the industry, particularly as co-sponsor of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, the JOLT Act, and the Cuba Trade Act.
“Just ten years ago, the notion of traveling or engaging in commerce with Cuba would have been regarded as high fantasy,” Twidale continued. “Now the Administration has amended its regulations and approved domestic airlines to start flying to Cuba. Travel to Cuba is rapidly becoming an inevitable reality…progress that could not have been made without Congressman Farr’s support and hard work.”
Congressman Sam Farr has represented the California 20th district for 23 years. He serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and co-chairs the House Oceans Caucus, the Congressional Organic Caucus, the Defense Communities Caucus, and the Unexploded Ordinance Caucus, in addition to the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus.
USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale commented that, “It is an honor to present the USTOA Champion in Travel Award to Congressman Farr. We thank him for his diligent support over the years and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.”
For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com.
About USTOA:
Representing more than $13.5 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow nearly 8 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.
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