T.O.P.S.: Tour Operators & Package Suppliers

Event Operators: A tour operator that owns or produces their own events as well as selling to other operators. Proof of event production is required. Must agree to sell to ‘Tour Operators’ with a commission not less than 5%. Copy of printed flyer required with application.
Tour Operators: Travel or tour planner that provides any or all services for student or young adult travel. Must sell twenty (20) or more student tours a year. Copy of printed flyer required with application.
Motorcoach/Tour Operator: A motorcoach operator that provides any or all services for student or young adult travel. Not limited to transportation only. Copy of printed flyer required with application.
Travel Agent: Agent that provides travel in any form to school groups or young adult organizations. Must sell five (5) or more student tours a year. Copy of printed flyer required with application.

General T.O.P.S. Requirements: ANY COMPANY, FIRM, ENTITY, OR CORPERATION IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA OR MEXICO, that produces, conducts, arranges, manages, markets or provides any student or young adult travel may become a member upon approval of the Board of Directors.

Agree to and comply with the S.M.A.R.T. membership requirements and bylaws.
Agree to and comply with the S.M.A.R.T. code of ethics.
Have proof of business in excess of five (5) or more years.
Must agree to provide basic itinerary of any and all tours to the closest C.V.B. (Convention and Visitors Bureau) within the destination.
Must be a member in good standing with A.B.A. (American Bus Association). Exceptions will be made only with approval from the Board of Directors.
United States S.M.A.R.T. members must obey the ‘sellers of travel’ laws and/or regulations and comply with the insurance of the state in which the business is registered. Canadian S.M.A.R.T. members must obey the Travel Industry Act of Ontario or Quebec rules and laws as required by Canadian agencies.
Have a consumer protection plan in the name of the organization that protects student groups or young adult organizations from default or bankruptcy, equal to one or more of the following standards:
1. S.M.A.R.T. members will provide evidence of participation in an approved bonding program. Such a bond will be structured to continue to June 30th of each calendar year.
2. S.M.A.R.T. members will provide an irrevocable letter of credit from an officer of a financial institution.
3. S.M.A.R.T. members will place all customer payments in a trust account until paid as tour expenses or earned as income by the company.
4. S.M.A.R.T. members will place all customer payments in an escrow account until paid as tour expenses or earned as income by the company.

Select Pricing: T.O.P.S. Membership Fees: Membership begins immediately and lasts until June 30th, 2007 If you join between: January 1, 2006 to February 28, 2006
Yearly Dues:	$ 250.00 (US)
One Time Initiation Fee:	$ 100.00 (US) = $ 350.00
February 29, 2006 to June 30, 2006
Yearly Dues:	$ 275.00 (US)
One Time Initiation Fee:	$ 100.00 (US) = $ 375.00
After July 1, 2006 (future and renewals as of this date)
Yearly Dues:	$ 350.00 (US)
One Time Initiation Fee:	$ 100.00 (US) = $ 450.00

Please Note: Organizations joining before July 1, 2006 will get free membership for the months leading up to July. Formal membership begins July 1, 2006 and goes through June 30, 2007.
Yearly Membership Covers: July 1 to June 30 each calendar year
Notice: Any and all basic membership rules can change or be amended upon approval of the Board of Directors. Membership acceptance or termination can change upon approval of the Board of Directors. Any change in membership can result in termination.

Interested in Joining The S.M.A.R.T. Organization?
Download an Application here

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