When AITO was established it was in response to the problems posed for smaller travel companies by a sharp increase in bonding levels following a couple of high profile collapses.  It was soon realised, however, that smaller, specialist businesses have more in common than a concern with regulatory isues.  Thus the association has evolved - as the industry has become ever more polarised between large and small companies, with fewer and fewer occupying the middle ground - into an unique trade body with a number of objectives.

AITO is run by a Council of (unpaid) members who elect one of their number to the position of Chairman.  The Council which meets regularly throughout the year, is supported by a team of permanent staff based in Twickenham, managed by a full-time Executive Director.

AITO's great strength comes from the diversity of its membership and the expertise of its repective owners.  Together, AITO companies finds strength in numbers to purchase services of various kinds, to make their collective voice heard on a range of issues, to promote the association's values and to market the remarkable variety of members' holidays.

AITO Council
Derek Moore (Chairman)

John Gillies (Deputy Chairman) - Original Travel

Mark Beale - (Treasurer) - Discover the World

Chris Breen - Chameleon Worldwide

Stephen Da Costa - Sports Tours

Alastair Donnelly - InsideJapan Tours

Noel Josephides - Sunvil Holidays

Chris McIntyre - Expert Africa

Barrie Neilson - Sailing Holidays

Richard Rice - Ski Safari

Nicky Shafe - Prestige Holidays

Amrit Singh - Transindus

John Tangney - Tangney Tours

John Telfer - Explore

Peter Traynor - Collette Worldwide

David Wickers - Bridge & Wickers

Co-opted Member
Graham Edgeley - Casas Cantabricas

Sustainable Tourism Chairman
Roger Diski