Joining AITO

Applicants for membership are required to satisfy a number of criteria about their status and the nature of their activities, as follows:

1. They should be bona fide tour operators whose business is primarily organised as that of a tour operator contracting with holidaymakers as a principal.

2. They should be able to demonstrate that they are not in a position to derive benefits on a substantial scale from the ownership of travel agencies or an airline or other travel industry related business by either the member, its parent company or another
subsidiary of its parent company.

3. They are not subsidiaries of larger organizations who would qualify for but
have not sought membership of the Association.

4. A significant proportion of the activity  of the business amounting to at least £250,000 in annual turnover is attributable to the sale of inclusive holidays.

5. They should have been trading as a tour operator for a minimum of two years (two
sets of annual accounts are required).

6. They should be UK based and their literature/brochures and website should
be produced in English.

7. Their marketing information, whether brochure or web-based, must reflect the high standards expected of AITO members.

8. They should match the general profile of AITO members, most of whom are small-to-medium specialist companies with hands-on management involved in the day to day running of the business. Though AITO's largest members carry over 100,000 passengers per annum they  still meet the specialist, hands-on criterion.

9. They should be fully bonded for the financial protection of client monies. This
includes both licenseable (ATOL) and non-licenseable turnover including accommodation only. Trust Accounts, other than the Travel Trust Association are not acceptable.

10. They should have public liability insurance with minimum cover of £2m.

11. They should be prepared to abide by the terms and spirit of the AITO Quality Charter and Code of Business Practice.

12. The AITO logo is seen as a kitemark of  excellence. Applicants have to satisfy the AITO Council that the quality standards expected are being met.