Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced today that Backroads has joined USTOA as its newest Active Member. This brings the current membership total to 53 Active Members representing 144 brands.
“Backroads has helped define the active travel category, setting a high standard for immersive biking, hiking, walking, and multi-adventure tours around the world,” said Dale. “Their commitment to delivering high-quality experiences and advancing responsible travel makes them a welcome addition to USTOA.”
“USTOA demonstrates how powerful collaboration can be in the travel industry,” said Tom Hale, founder, president and CEO of Backroads. “We were especially impressed by how members came together during the pandemic to share ideas and develop safety protocols that helped travelers get back out into the world.”
Hale continued, “As a company that is deeply committed to protecting the National Parks and destinations our guests explore, we look forward to connecting with fellow members and engaging in important conversations about the future of travel.”
Founded in 1979, Backroads has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 46 years. From a single bike tour through Death Valley, Backroads has grown to lead guests on all seven continents, 60+ countries, 20+ US states and all five Canadian provinces. Guests bike, hike, cruise and so much more on expertly designed active adventures that highlight the unique character of each destination, whether that be the awe-inspiring view, the hidden gem of a restaurant or a cultural exchange with a local family.
The company offers multiple ways to go active in hundreds of destinations worldwide with trips tailored to different types of travelers, including Private Trips, women-only adventures, trips for families with children, avid cyclists and those who prefer a slower tempo.
A long-time member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Backroads’ decision reflects the increasing importance of cross-sector collaboration, as well as a continued commitment to advancing industry standards and responsible travel practices.