What does NTA provide to me, the consumer?

If you choose to book a tour with an NTA member, you can be assured that the company will be committed to these three things:

Professionalism

Tour operator members of the National Tour Association are known throughout North America for their commitment to professionalism and quality.

To become a member, a tour company is required to meet a rigid set of membership requirements such as:

• carry general public liability and professional liability, errors and omissions insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1 million annually.
• pass the review of 3,800 NTA members and a national Board of Directors.
• demonstrate that the company has been in business more than three years.
• agree to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Peace of Mind

When you travel with an NTA - member tour company, you are offered:

• Transportation - Whether the mode is motorcoach, air, cruise or rail, transportation is provided by experienced professionals.
• Reputable Hotels - Researched ahead of time, all properites must meet high requirements of each tour company.
• High Quality Attractions - Each tour company has explored the attraction and understands the best and safest way to enjoy it.
• Well-Known Stops - The most safe, convenient and interesting stops have been researched and selected along your route for rest, food and sightseeing.
• Tour Experts - If you desire, a knowledgeable tour director will accompany your group to deal with unexpected situations, allowing you to enjoy your trip without any uncertainty.

Education

The National Tour Association provides its members with the highest quality educational resources available. Through Professional Development Seminars, NTA tour operators have the opportunity to learn up-to-date information on...

• providing quality service to customers
• finding the hottest new destinations
• protecting the environment
• accommodating disabled travelers
• promoting healthy traveling
• understanding government regulations
• and much, much more!

These ongoing education and training opportunities offer each NTA tour company the knowledge necessary to provide the high quality tours you expect.

How can I travel with confidence?

NTA is partnering with the Federal Trade Commission on a consumer education campaign to help travel make wise vacation investments.

The National Tour Association urges you to use this checklist when making vacation plans:

• Verify that the travel agent or tour company is a member of a professional association such as the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association or the American Society of Travel Agents.
• If you work with a tour operator, make sure that the company offers a consumer protection plan. All NTA tour companies are covered by a Consumer Protection Plan.
• Carefully read the company's cancellation and refund policies.
• Use a credit card to purchase tickets, and if cash must be used, always get a receipt - everything must be in writing.
• Verify that the tour company has errors and omissions, professional liability insurance coverage
  - all professional tour companies have this coverage.
• Ask for a reference from a client with whom you are familiar.
• Avoid high pressure sales with a limited time to evaluate the offer.
• Beware of companies sending a courier for a check or requesting a direct bank deposit or certified check.
• Decline offers requiring a property sales presentation.
• Prior to payment, review complete details about any trip in writing.
• Request specific hotel and airline names, addresses, and phone numbers - broad terms such as "all major hotels" and "all major airlines" are a warning flag.
• Insist on a local phone number if given an 800 number - this will establish that the tour company or travel agency has a central office from which it operates.
• Never use 900 numbers.
• If you receive a vacation certificate in the mail, take it to your local National Tour Association tour operator who can evaluate it.
• Call the National Fraud Information Center (800-876-7060), the Federal Trade Commission (202-326-2000), or local and state consumer protection agencies to report all incidences of travel-related fraud.