In Regard to Discovery Tours

May 4, 2018

The National Tour Association has learned that Discovery Tours, a Mayfield Village, Ohio-based NTA member since 2007, has abruptly canceled pre-paid school trips affecting at least six school districts in the state. The association is saddened to hear that a number of these students and chaperones will not be experiencing the program they anticipated and paid for, while others are making last-minute arrangements with area companies to move forward with their trips.

Our attempts to reach the membership contact at Discovery Tours have been unsuccessful. In accordance with Section 15.B.b. of the NTA Bylaws, NTA President Pam Inman, CTP, informed Discovery Tours that its membership in the National Tour Association has been terminated, effectively immediately, May 4, 2018.

The only communication from Discovery Tours was an email late Friday afternoon, May 4, to schools announcing the company was shutting down, with no explanation of what would happen with money paid for trips. The email stated:

“We regret to inform you that Discovery Tours Inc. has suspended its operations, effective immediately. All future trips are canceled. Further information will be provided when available.”

As a leader in the packaged travel industry since 1951, NTA carefully qualifies its tour operator applicants with a vetting process and criteria to join our membership. These requirements—which are verified every year upon membership renewal—include having a minimum of three years in business as a tour operator; maintaining comprehensive general public liability insurance coverage of the company’s operations, with minimum limits of US$1,000,000 annually, with a reputable insurance underwriting company; and attesting to the company’s ability to meet all financial commitments.

NTA annually provides its Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility to its members. Outlined in this document is a procedure for investigating complaints or criminal proceedings against members. And if a company has ceased operations, its membership in NTA is terminated immediately.

NTA recognizes the ripple effect that this situation creates for our supplier and destination members, and we are gratified to know that other members have offered to help the students affected by this unexpected cancellation. We appreciate the patience and cooperative spirit of all.