THE PULSE: Wyoming-based Austin Adventures becomes 49th member of the USTOA.
WHY IT RATES: The company, which has a 40-year history in adventure travel, has been hitting the heights of success in recent years, acquiring Eurobikes, expanding its programs worldwide, and receiving many industry awards and accolades. Joining the US Tour Operators Association is the crowning touch that places it squarely among the elite tour operators, each of which must put a million dollars on deposit with the association as part of its membership. - David Cogswell, TravelPulse tours editor
Terry Dale, president and CEO of The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), announced today that Austin Adventures, offering upscale, active adventures for adults and families throughout the world, has joined the association as its newest active member, bringing its current total to 49 corporate members representing more than 150 brands.
"Adventure tourism is a fast growing market, and Austin Adventures has been providing a wide range of experiential leisure offerings with outstanding customer service for more than 40 years," said Dale. "They are an ideal complement to our membership and it is a pleasure to welcome them to USTOA."
"Austin Adventures has always been committed to protecting the travel community," added Dan Austin, founder and president of Austin Adventures. "We see no better way than to align ourselves with the USTOA and further support their ongoing effort to promote the highest levels of integrity within our industry. There is no finer group of tour operators than the members of USTOA to be associated with, and we are proud to now be a part of this elite group."
With a legacy dating back to 1974, Austin Adventures offers small group active guided tours featuring biking, hiking, paddling, safaris, horseback, small ships, snorkeling and more while focusing on themes such as culture, gourmet food and wellness, to more than 30 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, South Pacific and Middle East. Small group trips feature exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, Austin Adventures offers customized trip planning.
The company's reputation for integrity, caring and delivering superior customer service has made Austin Adventures one of the world's top tour operators. Kasey Austin, the company's vice president of operations and trip leader extraordinaire, was singled out by editors of OUTSIDE Magazine as the world's top Family Guide for 2014, and in September 2013 Austin Adventures joined the Xanterra Parks & Resorts portfolio of experiential leisure offerings. Known to provide legendary hospitality with a softer footprint, Xanterra entities include lodges, restaurants, tours and activities in national and state parks, resorts, cruise lines, railways and tour operators.
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