Rail Europe North America has suspended selling tour packages and relinquished its status as an Active Member of the USTOA, meaning client deposits and payments are no longer protected by the group's $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the USTOA said Monday.
Related report: Train travel is experiencing its own version of the RV effect
"Travel agents should be aware that purchases of Rail Europe North America products made prior to Jan. 2021, shall continue to be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program," USTOA CEO Terry Dale said in a statement. "Client deposits and payments thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program."
New high-end rail journeys are being created to meet an expected demand for laid-back, immersive experiences post-pandemic.
Laurent Tonnellier, Rail Europe's general manager for North and South America business operations, said the change in membership status was prompted by a change in its business model.
"Our company has refocused its activity to selling European rail tickets and passes to the B2B and B2C markets and is no longer selling tour packages. As a result, the company no longer qualifies as a tour operator member," Tonnellier said. "While the new business model changes our current affiliation status with the USTOA, we are pleased to continue the relationship as an Associate Member."
Laurent also emphasized that the company remains "fully committed to serve its customers: tour operators, travel agencies, consortia, partners and consumers. Rail Europe provides a full range of technologies to connect to the largest European railroad inventories."
Dale said Rail Europe has been a valued partner since 1994 and is pleased the company remains affiliated as an Associate Member.