Published Feb 8, 2021 12:00AM
RAIL EUROPE NORTH AMERICA INC. RESIGNS USTOA ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
AS A RESULT OF ITS BUSINESS MODEL EVOLUTION
NEW YORK – February 8, 2021 – Following a change in its business model, Rail Europe North America Inc. has suspended selling tour packages. As a result, Rail Europe is no longer a USTOA Active Member effective January 31, 2021. Accordingly, Rail Europe North America Inc. no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
“Travel agents should be aware that purchases of Rail Europe North America Inc. products made prior to January 31, 2021, shall continue to be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program,” advises USTOA President & CEO Terry Dale.
“Our company has refocused its activity to selling European rail tickets and passes to the B2B and B2C markets and is no longer selling tour packages. As a result, the company no longer qualifies as a tour operator member,” said Laurent Tonnellier, General Manager Business North & South America at Rail Europe. “While the new business model changes our current affiliation status with USTOA, we are pleased to continue the relationship as an Associate Member.”
Laurent also cited, “Rail Europe’s office in North America is fully committed to serve its customers: tour operators, travel agencies, consortia, partners and consumers. Rail Europe provides a full range of technologies to connect to the largest European railroad inventories.”
Dale added that Rail Europe North America Inc. has been a valued partner since 1994 and is pleased the company remains in the association as an Associate Member.
For information about USTOA or the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program visit www.ustoa.com.
About USTOA:
Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 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.
Contact:
Gina Dolecki/Ashley Mindnich
Redpoint
212-229-0119
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