Portland-based tour operator Travel Connection has resigned its membership in the U.S. Tour Operators Association, and consequently no longer participates in the association’s $1 million bond protection program.
The resignation was effective Aug. 11.
The purchase of Travel Connection products made prior to Aug. 11 is fully protected by USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, said USTOA President Bob Whitley. "Client payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program," Whitley stated.
Travel Connection's current management group recently purchased the company from AAA Washington, said Travel Connection President Kevin Eakin. AAA Washington retains ownership of the vacation brands Brennan Vacations and Canada a la Carte.
"At present, as a separate entity, Travel Connection is not in a position to retain our USTOA membership. However, we look forward to reestablishing a relationship with the association in the near future," Eakin said.
Meanwhile, Boston-based National Educational Travel Council (NETC) joined USTOA as an active member. NETC offers educational tours for teachers and students.
"The student travel market has emerged as a major player in both the domestic and international travel market," Whitley said.
NETC was incorporated in 1993, and has organized educational tours throughout the Americas, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
The story was corrected to indicate that AAA Washington did not sell Brennan Vacations and Canada a la Carte.