Press Releases

SCENIC LUXURY CRUISES & TOURS AND EMERALD WATERWAYS JOIN USTOA

NEW YORK – October 5, 2016 – Scenic Tours USA Inc., owner of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways, has joined the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) as its newest tour operator member. The membership brings the association’s current total to 51 Active Members representing nearly 160 brands.

“River cruising is an extremely popular, rapid growing travel segment,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA.  “Both Scenic and Emerald Waterways bring to USTOA a deep understanding and expertise in this niche area and are a very welcome addition to our membership.”

“Scenic and Emerald Waterways are absolutely thrilled to be a new member of USTOA,” added Anna Wolfsteiner, senior VP international sales and distribution of Scenic Tours USA Inc. “As a 30-year company that has been built on an ethos that puts the needs of guests above all else, we are honored to belong to an organization whose shares that commitment and promotes the integrity of our industry.”

A leader in all-inclusive luxury river cruising, Scenic operates a fleet of 16 luxurious river cruise ships in Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia. All-inclusive river voyages range from seven to 21 nights. No less than 85% of the staterooms feature private, full-sized balconies that are known as “Sun Lounges,” where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button. Other unique aspects include exclusive excursions; active-focused excursions; six on-board dining options; custom E-bikes on most itineraries; and the company’s “Scenic Tailormade” system, a GPS-guided handheld device with full audio and mapping that’s preloaded with independent tours.

Scenic Tours USA Inc. also owns Emerald Waterways.  Catering to the four-star-plus market by using deluxe ships and service and an inclusive pricing plan, Emerald Waterways offers numerous European and Southeast Asia river cruise itineraries. In 2014, its first year on the rivers in Europe, Emerald Waterways was awarded “Best New River Ships” in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick Awards with high praise for many of the Star-Ship’s amenities such as the cabin’s ample storage space, large bathrooms, exceptional mattresses and bed linens, push-button, slide-down wall-to-wall windows, as well as the onboard indoor-outdoor pool and movie theater. In 2015 and 2016, the line was again commended by Cruise Critic, winning “Best River Line for Value.”

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA  02111.  For information on Scenic, visit www.scenicusa.com, call 1 (844) 272-3642 or contact a preferred travel agent. For more on Emerald Waterways, visit www.emeraldwaterways.com, call 1 (855) 222-3214 or contact a preferred travel agent.

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@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.

Contact:

Gina Dolecki/Katherine Henry                                            

Redpoint Marketing PR., Inc.

212-229-0119

dolecki@redpointpr.com / henry@redpointpr.com