Guided group travel operator Premier World Discovery has
joined the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), bringing to 54 the number
of total active members in the organization.
Joining USTOA is "step one" of a larger initiative
Premier World Discovery is undertaking to grow its marketing and sales presence
and "create a national brand awareness," said Keith Mills, vice president
of business development.
Premier World Discovery is an 18-year-old company based in
Redondo Beach, Calif., offering about 75 escorted tours worldwide. With a
21-person sales team, Mills said that Premier World Discovery does not take
direct bookings and is a groups-only company that sells through travel agencies
and other intermediaries.
Premier World Discovery offers five fully-guided travel
styles: One Hotel and Limited Hotel Stay Tours; Rail Journeys; European River
Cruise Charters; Classic Tours; and Exotic Tours. The company sells tours with
roundtrip air, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, included and optional
sightseeing, and many meals.
Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA, said that Premier
World Discovery joining the association is indicative of a larger, positive
trend in the tour operator industry.
"Our active members are reporting a very strong year,
and we're grateful to see that confidence reflected in the number of potential
new members USTOA has in the pipeline," stated Dale.
As a USTOA member, Premier World Traveler has enrolled in the
organization's $1 million Traveler Assistance Program.