United States Tour Operators Association: Difference between revisions
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'''Ethical and Financial Responsibility:''' Active members' business conduct must instill confidence in their financial stability, reliability and integrity. |
'''Ethical and Financial Responsibility:''' Active members' business conduct must instill confidence in their financial stability, reliability and integrity. |
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==References== |
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==External Links== |
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Revision as of 20:45, 30 July 2010
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| Industry | Travel |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 |
| Headquarters | New York, New York |
| Website | http://www.ustoa.com/ |
The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a 501(c) registered nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry. Its members are made up of companies whose tours, vacation packages, and custom arrangements encompass the entire globe but who conduct business in the U.S. As a voice for the tour operator industry, USTOA represents this sector in matters pertaining to the travel industry as a whole, both in the U.S. and abroad. Among USTOA's goals are consumer protection and education.
USTOA member companies must meet a number of criteria, including participation in the association’s Travelers Assistance Program, which among other things protects consumer payments up to $1 million in case the company goes out of business.[1][2]
Motto
Integrity in Tourism
Mission
USTOA's mission is focused on improving industry standards and consumer advocacy through the following:
- Inform the travel industry, government agencies and the public about tour operators' activities and objectives.
- Educate consumers on matters pertaining to tours and vacation packages.
- Help consumers recoup financial loss arising from an Active Member's bankruptcy or insolvency.
- Help maintain a high level of professionalism within the tour operator industry.
- Represent the tour operator community and cooperate with other trade organizations and government agencies.
- Facilitate and encourage tourism on a worldwide basis.
Principles
USTOA Active Members pledge to adhere to the following principles:
Ethical Conduct: Members must conduct business with competence and professionalism, representing truthfully and accurately all facts, conditions and requirements relating to their tours and travel packages.
Truth In Advertising: Advertising and quoting of prices must clearly show total deliverable prices, accurately identifying facilities, accommodations and services used. Any changes or substitutions must be communicated expeditiously to the travel agent and/or client involved.
Ethical and Financial Responsibility: Active members' business conduct must instill confidence in their financial stability, reliability and integrity.