Tour operators Great Safaris and Goway Travel have dissolved their business partnership after 10 years together. Goway had owned the majority of shares in Great Safaris.
Goway Travel president Bruce Hodge said the two companies have separate and distinct business units for Africa and the Middle East and were in direct competition with each other.
Though Hodge said both companies had separate profit centers, over time it became apparent that it was "illogical" to continue together as competitors, so they agreed to separate.
As a result, Great Safaris is no longer a brand under Goway Travel's active membership with U.S. Tour Operators Association and is no longer covered by USTOA's $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
However, Great Safaris expects to reactivate its USTOA membership, according to CEO and founder Dave Herbert.
Great Safaris trips booked before Jan. 25 are protected under USTOA's Travelers Assistance Program. Deposits and payments made after that date will be secured and fulfilled, Great Safaris said.