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AiTO Why AITO
Why AITO
 

Why AITO

 

 

AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, is an organisation representing over 140 of Britain's best specialist tour operators.

AITO members are independent companies, most of them owner-managed, specialising in particular destinations or types of holiday; this means that they are uniquely placed to provide personalised advice based on first hand experience. Every AITO member is passionate about its chosen destinations or activities and keen to share that enthusiasm with discerning holidaymakers.

The common aim of all AITO membersis to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service, enshrined in the association's Quality Charter. It is a source of pride to the Association that AITO companies dominate the consumer-voted travel awards every year in various categories.

Companies admitted to AITO are financially assessed and provide 100% consumer financial protection in the unlikely event of the business failing. They are also bound by AITO's own code of business practice which includes provisions for the clear and accurate descriptions of holidays and the use of customer questionnaires for monitoring standards. AITO members are also encouraged to participate in raising awareness among staff, customers and suppliers of the importance of sustainable tourism.

Finding and booking a holiday. Although many of these exceptional holidays are not freely available on Britain's high streets a number are retailed by selected specialist travel agents around the country, all of which belong to 'AITO Specialist Travel Agents'. Click here  for details of the agent nearest to you. Alternatively, use the order form on this site to request the brochures that interest you and then contact the operators direct.

Quality charter
Financial security
Customer relations
Dispute Settlement Service
Mission Statement
ST Guidelines
AITO Practising ST
Star classification
Members Practising ST
Tips for travellers
AITO ST Committee
Useful ST Links
Member services
How AITO works
What the AITO logo brings you
Application form
Bonding scheme (AITO Trust)
Membership criteria
In the news
Latest AITO press releases
Latest AITO member press releases
AITO meets the media event
Travel writer of the year