NEW YORK — The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has announced that effective Oct. 15, Cox & Kings, The Americas (including its affiliate East India Travel Company) is no longer a USTOA member.

Last month Virtuoso distanced itself from the company as well, severing ties with the 261-year old travel company amid concern that the financial difficulties impacting its India-based operations would affect operations in the Americas, despite Cox & Kings’ assurances to the contrary.

The USTOA oversees the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. The USTOA is now advising U.S. agents that clients who have lost deposits or payments made prior to Oct. 15 for travel with Cox & Kings, The Americas may be eligible to file claims for nonperformance of their tour under the Travelers Assistance Program.

The USTOA is headed up by President & CEO Terry Dale, who was President and CEO of CLIA from 2003 to 2010. The USTOA represents nearly US$19 billion in revenue.