USTOA's Consumer-Education Campaign Reached Millions, Encouraged Use of Travel Agents

As part of its consumer-education campaign, the United States Tour Operators Association (UATOA) reached out to radio listeners across the country this summer. USTOA President Bob Whitley provided advice on how travelers could avoid vacation scams and what they should be looking for in order to protect themselves. A key part of the message was that of encouraging consumers to use the services of travel agents. Whitley suggested that travelers conduct research online, but seek out travel agents for additional guidance and to make their travel bookings. "As a condition of USTOA membership, all our USTOA active members' products must be fully commissionable to travel agents," Whitley points out. "It's only natural that we would encourage the public to use a travel agent."