Austin Adventures President Dan Austin and the Austin family have bought the company back from Xanterra Parks & Resorts, leading the tour operator to resign its membership in the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The sale closed a few weeks ago, a representative of the USTOA tells Travel Agent.
In a written release Austin said that the company values USTOA membership and has every intention of rejoining the USTOA as an independent entity as soon as possible.
As a result of leaving the USTOA, Austin Adventures will no longer participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
“Travel agents should be aware that payments made prior to September 1, 2017 are protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program,” said USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale in a written statement.
Austin Adventures had been a member of the USTOA since 2014.
Founded in 1974, Montana-based Austin Adventures is an adventure tour operator offering itineraries in North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Africa, as well as a number of small ship cruises, aimed at active travelers, particularly Millennials. The company was originally acquired by Xanterra, which also owns Windstar Cruises, Holiday Vacations, CW Safaris, Country Walkers, and manages the hospitality product in a number of National and State Parks, in 2013.
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