Tenon Tours has resigned its membership with the U.S. Tour
Operators Association and is thus no longer part of the group’s $1 million
consumer-protection program.
Tenon specializes in tours to Ireland, Scotland, Britain,
Italy and Iceland.
“The current global situation we are all facing has required
us to reevaluate our company’s immediate needs,” Tenon Tours president Bryan
Lewis said in statement released with USTOA. “Although we valued our membership
immensely, we have regretfully decided to resign from USTOA and look forward to
rejoining in the future.”
A call to the company’s reservation line on Friday confirmed
the company is still operating.
Nonetheless, USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale advised
travel advisors that while purchases of Tenon tours made between Feb. 5 and March 18 of this year may be protected
under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, payments and deposits
after that will not be covered.
Under USTOA rules, active members must post a $1 million security
in the form of a bond, letter of credit or U.S. treasury bill. The fund covers
consumer payments if a company goes out of business.