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United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a 501(c) registered nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry. Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S. As a voice for the tour operator industry, USTOA represents this sector in matters pertaining to the travel industry as a whole, both in the U.S. and abroad. Among USTOA's goals are consumer protection and education,〔http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/how-can-find-the-right-tour-operator.html?id=3810934〕 and its standards and work in this area have earned USTOA the endorsement of the United States Government's Consumer Action Handbook.〔http://www.consumeraction.gov/trade.shtml〕 USTOA member companies must meet a number of ethical and financial criteria,〔http://blmc.enr-corp.com/onlineclips/21185/21185_72303087.pdf〕〔http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1115818.php〕 including participation in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, which among other things protects consumer payments up to $1 million in case the company files for bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.〔http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=59535〕〔http://madeinatlantis.com/travel/ustoa_protection_plan.htm〕 ==Mission== USTOA's mission is focused on improving industry standards〔http://www.americantourismsociety.org/Members/USTOA.html〕 and consumer advocacy〔Goeldner, Charles R. and Ritchie, J.R. Brent. ''Tourism: principles, practices, philosophies.''〕〔http://www.travelweekly.com/article_ektid215196.aspx〕〔http://www.hellotravel.com/associations/ustoa〕 through the following: * Inform the travel industry, government agencies and the public about tour operators' activities and objectives. * Educate consumers on matters pertaining to tours and vacation packages. * Help consumers recoup financial loss arising from an Active Corporate Member's bankruptcy or insolvency. * Help maintain a high level of professionalism within the tour operator industry. * Represent the tour operator community and cooperate with other trade organizations and government agencies. * Facilitate and encourage tourism on a worldwide basis. USTOA Active Corporate Members pledge to adhere to the principles of ethical conduct, truth in advertising, ethical and financial responsibility, liability insurance, and a solid background that includes multiple industry and financial references and current active members as sponsors. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「United States Tour Operators Association」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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