American Trails West & AlliedTPro Introduce International Teens to American Summers and American Academia

NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Two American pastimes are to be shared with the international community: Teen Tours and the college undergraduate experience. AlliedTPro, a market leader in escorted tours for over 50 years, recently announced its cooperation agreement with American Trails West (ATW), a premier teen tour organization since 1965. Both companies have established pristine reputations for delivering top-notch, contemporary, activity-rich, safe, tours that promise to make a lasting impact on all those that want to take advantage of these experiences.

By joining forces, the industry pioneers are making the highest quality teen tours in the United States available to teens, ages 15-18, around the world. The companies are also launching a new two-week program specifically geared toward international students, ages 15-18, interested in pursuing higher education in the United States. The regional College Preview Tours will provide attendees with an opportunity to visit popular American colleges and universities (i.e. Harvard, UCLA, New York University, Berkeley) in the morning and enjoy classic American activities, destinations and meals in the afternoons and evenings (i.e. surfing lessons, Washington monuments, local fare). While stopping in 4-5 cities per tour, students will see over 15 institutions and take part in a multitude of fun-filled adventures.

When asked about the collaboration, AlliedTPro Chairman, Jane Rossmango, said, "Howard Fox and his team have created a truly incredible summer adventure for tens of thousands of young men and women for over five decades. We are honored to be working with American Trails West on expanding this timeless, incredible program, and proud to share in giving a greater number of international teenagers the opportunity to experience a classic American summer in the states – not to mention introducing them to some of our finest colleges and universities."

American Trails West founder and CEO, Howard Fox, demonstrated equal enthusiasm about this evolution affirming, "Since inception, our primary objective has been that American Trails West provide its students with the best of everything – locations, accommodations, adventures, guides and memories; while simultaneously giving their parents peace of mind in knowing they are in reputable, safe hands.  This remains our goal and by expanding our offering as well as bringing AlliedTPro into the fold we have the ability to efficiently provide unforgettable summers to a greater, more diverse number of teenagers."

Speaking as both Chief Executive Officer of AlliedTPro as well as the father of two teenage girls, Mark Morello confidently concurred with Mr. Fox saying, "American Trails West has become a household name with my daughters and their circle of friends. The tours are so well thought out and balanced; it would be very difficult for these groups not to have fun; and from a parent's perspective, the strict zero-tolerance policy and the company's impeccable reputation is what makes it most attractive. Also, being a parent to a current college applicant, I can confidently say that scheduling campus visits is no easy task when looking at schools in the same country, let alone internationally. So not only do I think the College Preview Tours sound fun, I think they will prove to be incredibly helpful to families going through this important process."

To mark their new union, the companies are focusing on five of ATW's 2-5 week Deluxe Hotel & Resort Teen Tours (Southern Spirit, Western Skies, California Cruisin', Pacific Paradise, Fire & Ice), as well as a two-week Northeastern College Preview Tour and a two-week West Coast College Preview Tour, each of which can be combined with the other.

About AlliedTPro
For over 50 years, AlliedTPro has been a leader in the US inbounds market and serves more than 600 of the most successful tour and travel providers in more than 50 countries around the world. The dynamic and innovative company, well-positioned under the reputable Kuoni Group umbrella and a member of the global Kuoni Destination Management network, arranges and operates land-based services in the U.S.A. Its core business is a comprehensive selection of FIT leisure products as well as multi-lingual escorted coach programs that are complemented by up-market ATP Lifestyles product line. The extensive range of hotels, services, sightseeing and tour products can be booked via a web-based booking engine or direct host-to-host links with clients. With its head office in New York and a network of local offices in the USA, AlliedTPro also provides tailor-made services for leisure and incentive groups, arrangements for conventions and congresses across the country, as well as ground handling for cruise companies. Its key markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia/Pacific.