Effective immediately Peter Tauck has tendered his resignation as USTOA Chairman, and the USTOA Board of Directors has voted Nikos Tsakanikas Chairman, to serve through 2007. Tsakanikas is president and CEO of Homeric Tours, Inc.

According to USTOA president Bob Whitley, under USTOA bylaws, because Tauck has stepped away from his active duties at Tauck World Discovery, he no longer qualifies as the company’s Active Member representative.

“USTOA has meant a lot to me over the years. The people, the friends, the challenges we have faced together have provided me with lifelong learning both professionally and personally. I regret not being able to serve them as I had intended for the next two years. Perhaps as the future unfolds I will have the opportunity to repay what I consider a debt to such a fine organization,” said Tauck.

“We are sorry to lose Peter’s valuable insight and enthusiasm. He has been an asset to the organization, and we look forward to his involvement in the future,” said Whitley.

Tauck leaves the USTOA chairmanship with the organization in a strong financial position, and on the heels of one of the association’s most successful annual conferences ever.