smarTours no longer a mamber of USTOA

NEW YORK – Effective January 31, 2025, smarTours ceased operations and is no longer a USTOA member, and as such, no longer participates in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

“Travel advisors should be aware that purchases of smarTours products made on or prior to January 31, 2025 may be protected under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. Client deposits and payments made thereafter will not be covered by the USTOA program,” advises USTOA President & CEO Terry Dale.

Passengers who have lost deposits or payments made on or prior to January 31, 2025 for travel with smarTours may be eligible to file claims for nonperformance of their tour under USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program.

A message from smarTours

“Dear Valued Traveler,

For the past 30 wonderful years, smarTours has been honored to serve travelers like you, bringing unforgettable experiences to destinations around the world. It has been our privilege to be part of your journeys, and we are deeply grateful for your trust and support.

It is with great sadness that we must inform you that as of today, January 31, 2025, smarTours is no longer operational.

Important Information for Travelers with Outstanding Credits

If you have an outstanding credit with smarTours, you may be eligible to submit a claim through the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, which provides financial protection for travelers affected by the closure of a USTOA Active Member.

To file a claim, please follow these steps:

• Visit the USTOA website
• Download the Claim Form from the USTOA claims section.
• Submit the completed form via:
  • Email: ustoaclaims@ustoa.com
  • Mail: USTOA Executive Office, 345 Seventh Ave., Suite 1801, New York, NY 10001
  • Phone Support: 212-599-6599

Claims must be filed within 90 days of this notice. Coverage applies to deposits and payments made prior to or within seven days following this official notification.

Important Information for Vendors

If you are a vendor with outstanding invoices, further information is expected to be provided in the near future.

We want to sincerely thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travels over the last three decades. Though this chapter is coming to a close, we will always cherish the memories and experiences we’ve shared with our travelers around the world.

With gratitude,
The smarTours Team”

The article smarTours no longer a mamber of USTOA first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.