USTOA Introduces Tour Review Platform

Nov 06, 2016

What:
Terry Dale, president and CEO of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), recently announced the addition of a new dedicated tour review platform with posted traveler testimonials to its freshly redesigned website.

Why It Matters:
Some consumers have a tough time understanding the benefits of an escorted tour, which can make it a more difficult sale for agents. The new tour-specific review platform features star ratings and comments from travelers who have experienced a USTOA tour operator member travel itinerary. Available traveler reviews will be populated as part of the destination search results and are indicated by stars listed under the trip itinerary name. The site currently features more than 7,000 tour product reviews. Each review is submitted post-trip via a survey administered through the specific tour operator member company.

Fast Facts:
- Reviews can be found via USTOA.com’s search tool “Find Your Dream Vacation” on the homepage. The search function allows travel agents and consumers to search multi-day itineraries and tour packages from its active tour operator member brands. Complete testimonials and additional ratings can be accessed by clicking “reviews” on the results page.

- The USTOA site currently features more 7,000 tour product reviews. All reviews are supplied directly from travelers who have experienced a USTOA tour operator member itinerary; each review is submitted post trip via a survey administered through the specific tour operator member company.

- In addition to the review forum, USTOA’s new mobile responsive website now targets travelers directly on the home page, delivering clear paths for consumers and travel agents to key areas of interest on the site.

What They Are Saying:
“There is no disputing the value and influence impartial online reviews play in the decision-making process for many consumers and there was a real need for more tour operator representation in this space,” says Terry Dale, USTOA’s president and CEO. “USTOA developed a third-party review platform for our Active Members as a resource for travel agents and consumers to find direct, verified and unbiased feedback on various tour products.”