AITO Agents

AITO Agent finalists for Agent Achievement Awards 2012

2012-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

A big congratulations to all of the AITO Agents that have made it into the finals of the renowned Agent Achievement Awards 2012, including:

Regional awards:
Feherty Travel (small agent, Northern Ireland)
Cockermouth Travel and Travel by Design (small agent, North West England & North Wales)
Deva Travel (large agent, North West England & North Wales)
Spear Travels, Spa Travel and Travel Bureau (small agent, Yorkshire, North Midlands and North East England)
Carrick Travel and Robert Broad Travel (small agent, Central England)
Traveller’s World (small agent, South West England and South Wales)
Haslemere Travel and Travel Designers (small agent, London and South East England)

National award:
Cockermouth Travel and Haslemere Travel (Leisure High Street Agent of the Year)

We look forward to finding out the winners on 26th March! Good luck all.

AITO GREEK OPERATORS DECLAIM HAGUE STATEMENT

2012-02-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

Below is a copy of a statement released today from AITO, for the benefit of our AITO Agent members.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators is upset at reports that the FCO is, seemingly, treating the whole of Greece as a war zone according to media reports.

Says AITO Chairman Derek Moore: “To say, as was reported yesterday, that Britons may be put at risk if the civil unrest in the country worsens, is alarmist to say the least and very far from reality.

“AITO’s specialist holiday companies working with Greece know the situation very well indeed, and they are unanimously reporting that there is no problem except in two very small, highly-contained areas – firstly, around Syntagma Square, by the Greek Parliament in Athens, and, secondly, in central Thessaloniki, Greece’s next largest city. This is nothing new – it’s exactly the same situation as the past three years.

“Very few holidaymakers fly into Athens or Thessaloniki. To claim that Britons living in Greece or visiting on holiday are likely to need emergency evacuation is, quite frankly, ridiculous. The riots in London, Manchester and Birmingham last summer were on a significantly bigger scale than anything in Greece – yet did the Home Secretary, Theresa May, advise people against visiting the Cotswolds or the Lake District? She would have been laughed out of Parliament had she done so, I’m pretty sure.”

The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, is reported to have “urged Britons to register with the Consulate...in case Greece goes under”. AITO believes this to be irresponsible; it is, indeed, contrary to Hague’s own department’s advice, which states “We are encouraging all British nationals travelling and living abroad to register with us on LOCATE, even for short trips” – there’s no mention of Greece in particular. Indeed, the FCO’s own Travel Advice for Greece makes no mention of such plans for evacuation.

“The Foreign Secretary should, we think, temper his advice and issue a prompt statement to clarify the situation”, says AITO Chairman Derek Moore. “There is no risk to British holidaymakers who travel on chartered flights direct to resorts on the islands and Greek mainland and who will go nowhere near Athens or Thessaloniki.

“It would be more sensible of the British Government to encourage visitors to Greece to help the Greeks, who have hosted many millions of British holidaymakers over the years. Tourism is one of the few industries in Greece with any potential for growth, and offers the Greeks their best chance of escaping the current financial turmoil.

“Greece is safe, open for business and looking forward to welcoming its overseas visitors with open arms this summer. Greece offers some of the Mediterranean’s finest beaches, cleanest seas and the unique hospitality of the Greek people.”

For details of the many specialist holiday companies offering holidays to Greece and for independent and impartial advice when booking your holiday contact your local AITO Specialist Travel Agent - www.aitoagents.com

Ends/21st February, 2012

Press: For further information, or to interview Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO, please ring Sue Ockwell at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440/07831 126 356 or email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or p.law@travelpr.co.uk.

LIVE from Madeira - our Chairman Oliver Broad reports on his visit..

2012-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

(pictured from left: Helen (AITO), Oliver (AITO Agents),
Joanna & Ricardo (Madeira Promotion Bureau) and Evelyn (AITO)

The Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, Oliver Broad recently travelled to Madeira to work on plans for the forthcoming AITO and AITO Agents combined overseas conference, being held in Madeira from 14-17 June 2012. Visiting none other than Reid’s Palace and sampling a range of local dishes he was suitably impressed...

I’m sitting on the plane returning from a speedy 36 hours in Madeira. Pleasantly surprised would best describe my mood. I really didn’t know what to expect having never previously visited the island before. My only experience with Madeira is selling it and quite regularly to clients who would happily return to the same hotel year after year. It is well known as a repeat visitor destination but the island has also, in recent times, put into place a number of new initiatives in order to appeal to a wider audience, including the 30+ market. Being just a tad over 30 myself this intrigued me and so I was keen to learn more.

On arrival it was a pleasant 16 degrees C - a far cry from freezing London. We were whisked quickly and efficiently from the airport to the Pestana Casino ParkHotel, which is where our conference will take place in June. We enjoyed the traditional scenery thanks to the superb views offered from our balconies at the hotel. Located a short walk from the centre of Funchal, it is the perfect location for a conference. No rest for the wicked however as Evelyn, Helen (from AITO) and I were transported to one of the 'dine around' restaurant options for the Friday night. We had lunch at a delightful café near the town hall where we met our hosts Joana and Ricardo from the Madeira PromotionBureau.

After reviewing our schedule and asking a lot of questions about plans for the conference we headed back, with our hosts, to our conference hotel to review the conference facilities. All the boxes on my list were ticked and we were all able to picture how the event would look in June. It’s amazing how flexible hotels can be when they know the quality of delegates that we will be bringing to the conference.

Evening arrived and we ventured through the cobbled streets of the old town of Funchal. Just two to three years ago locals started to use the front doors of the old town streets as canvas for their artwork. These are still lived in as homes and working businesses but it has created an outdoor museum of sorts. Just like artists have made their imprint on derelict buildings in the heart of Lisbon, locals here too mix traditional and modern artistic techniques and the results are wonderful. So much so that I took lots of photographs (which deserve their own blog report entirely to them - so stay tuned for that!)

After meandering through the old town to meet local restauranteurs who will host more of our ‘dine-around’ venues we ended up at a very special location indeed. So special I can’t describe it, not because I can’t but because it will be a big surprise! – so you will have to come to the conference to find out more…

Dinner was held in a lovely venue overlooking the seafront of Funchal. Cruise ships came and went, locals went about their business and it was a lovely evening soaking up the local culture while ironing out plans for our conference.

Living room of the Presidential Suite at Reid's Palace, Funchal, Madeira

Day two started with a bang. I have a certain crush on hotels owned by Orient-Express and so our visit to Reid’s Palace was a great way to start the day. We also have a small allocation of rooms here for those who would like to stay there during our conference. In true Orient-Express style, Reid’s takes us back to a bygone era in a way only their hotels can. A brief tour of the property was enough to win me over and understand why clients return here again and again. Afternoon tea at Reid’s is of course a ‘must-do’ activity and it seemed this time of year is a good time to visit away from the crowds, but still with pleasant weather. Luckily the Presidential Suite was available for viewing, the room where Winston Churchill stayed in the early 1950s! Photographs of other important dignitaries and VIPs adorned the corridors that were littered with retro antiques. A wonderful hotel that I felt honoured to just tour around!

Next up was a viewing of Quinta Bela Vista. Perched slightly higher up the hill with stunning views over Funchal, the Quinta offers a traditional Madeira setting littered with a wonderful collection of local and international finds from around the world. The grounds are large, with a lovely pool bar and outdoor pool area. Our second Quinta viewing was Quinta das Vistas which is also further up the hill, again allowing for wonderful views. Both Quintas are just a short drive away from our main conference hotel.

Quinta Bela Vista

View from Quinta das Vistas

Finally, we spent some time looking around a few more 'dine around' restaurants plus a few surprises which I will not go into at this stage as I don’t want to spoil anything.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was very warm and friendly in Madeira and I can see why so many clients keep returning. It is a different type of destination from the norm, appealing not to beach lovers but those that can appreciate culture and which has a friendly welcome – more a home away from home.

I am very pleased that we have such a wonderful destination for our conference and I am very much looking forward to June.

Agents – you have under one month to book to take advantage of the early booking offer which offers great savings. The deadline is 16th March 2012 so get your booking forms filled in and returned as soon as possible.

If you need any further information please contact helen@aito.com or evelyn@aito.com – 020 8744 9280.

AITO team visit venue of June overseas conference...

2012-02-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

Helen and Evelyn from AITO HQ and AITO Specialist Travel Agents Chairman Oliver Broad are currently in Madeira making plans for our June overseas conference.

(Note to members: deadline for early booking offer is 16th March so please do book your flights early and return your form asap!).

Here are some snaps Oliver took yesterday during their flying 48 hour visit...full trip report and more photo's coming soon...

AITO Specialist Travel Agents announce spring training roadshow

2012-02-02T04:09:00.001-08:00

We're delighted to reveal details about a product training roadshow we're holding across England this spring to update AITO Agent members with important developments, including new operators, amongst members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).

Taking place in London, Birmingham and North Midlands/Cheshire (from 13-15 March 2012), the training sessions will act as a useful refresher for delegates, assisting AITO Agents to continue to sell AITO product offerings.

The roadshow will kick off in London at the beautiful Marylebone based Swedish Church, which is an inviting meeting place for the Swedish community in London. Hosted by Visit Sweden, the training session attendees will also be updated on developments in Sweden – including Daniel Craig’s starring role in the new Stieg Larsson film! - and treated to top notch food at an award-winning gastro pub.

The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Macclesfield will host the North Midlands/Cheshire training session on 15 March – home of the world-famous Lovell Telescope recently featured on the BBC programme Stargazing Live. The venue for Birmingham training session will be announced soon.

These one-to-one ‘speed-dating’ style training sessions are such an effective way to keep up to date with the latest news and inspiring trips offered by AITO operators. Our domestic conference in January saw the biggest number of attendees yet, with much networking taking place to reinforce and establish new working relationships, and it’s great to build upon this with these training sessions.

AITO Agents can register for the training sessions by emailing evelyn@aito.com or calling 020 8744 9271.

AITO All Stars' winners set for Egypt

2012-01-24T01:32:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to reveal that the top 10 selling agents in the AITO All Stars incentive scheme over the second half of 2011(July - December)are Travellers World, Journeys à la Carte, Beaver Travel, Robert Broad Travel, The Travel Bureau, Haslemere Travel, Traveltime (Beaconsfield), Travel Club Elite, Real Holidays and Carolyn Lodge Travel.

Front-line staff of the winning agencies will have their hard work rewarded with a trip to Egypt on the 'Jewel of the Nile' tour courtesy of AITO operator, On the Go Tours.

Departing in March 2012, the nine-day VIP ‘Jewel of the Nile’ Egyptian adventure will treat winners to an array of exciting activities, including a stay in one of Cairo's smartest hotels, a cruise on the River Nile aboard a five-star cruiser and visits to the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara.

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Madeira, the Portuguese garden island gem, set to host AITO and AITO Agents’ joint overseas conference 2012

2012-01-19T03:14:00.000-08:00

AITO operators and AITO Specialist Travel Agents are delighted to announce Madeira, Portugal, as the setting for our 2012 joint overseas conference

Sponsored by the Portuguese National Tourist Office and the Madeira Promotion Bureau, the joint conference will take place from 14-17 June 2012 and will see the two organisations come together on the popular Portuguese island to reinforce even greater links in the spirit of the Closer Ties scheme between AITO and AITO Agents.

We’re delighted to unveil Madeira as our choice for this year’s overseas conference. Following the decision to hold the 2011 conference in the little-known but beautiful city of Vilnius in Lithuania, in 2012 we’ve chosen Madeira so that we can rediscover and support a holiday destination that’s a firm favourite with the British consumer.

Madeira, as a year-round holiday destination, is incredibly accessible and there is a great amount to experience of the island, including an abundance of not-so-obvious things such as the buzzing foodie scene in its capital, Funchal, the Madeira Wine Festival and other cultural events.

Tourism Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office, Filipe Silva, says: “We’re excited about welcoming AITO operators and agents to Madeira, showcasing the best of our destination to this association of highly-regarded, specialist travel companies. There is a great amount to experience on the island, such as the irrigation channels called the ‘levadas’ which form a network of walking trails that enable visitors to experience breathtaking landscapes. There’s also Laurissilva Forest, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and a vibrant calendar of events including the Carnival parades, annual flower festival and the Atlantic festival which includes firework displays and musical concerts. The island is also famous for its fortified wines and fabulous gastronomy, including seafood and meat cooked with a variety of spices and local herbs.”

The conference will see an engaging mix of big-name speakers from both inside and outside the travel industry and will offer delegates excellent networking and educational opportunities.

For more information about Madeira and Portugal, go to www.visitmadeira.pt and www.visitportugal.com

AITO Agents domestic conference 2012

2012-01-16T08:31:00.001-08:00

AITO Agents domestic conference 2012, a set on Flickr.

Full photo gallery from this weekends conference...

AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference 2012

2012-01-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

The largest gathering of truly independent agents and operators in the UK travel sector took place this weekend at the AITO Specialist Travel Agents domestic conference - held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire, 14-15 January 2012.

With a record number - more than 200 delegates - in attendance at the conference, the programme saw workshops and an engaging mix of speakers addressing key industry matters. These included Andy Cohen, Manager of ATOL Licensing at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who updated conference delegates about the ATOL Reform process, and Lorraine Barnes Burton, CEO of The British Travel Awards, who reflected on what travel agents could learn from the results of the consumer insight survey, TravelVision 2012.

There was also an array of accolades awarded during the gala dinner at the conference, with Staffordshire-based Journeys à la Carte named the national winner of the AITO All Stars incentive scheme 2011, which recognises those AITO Agents who have achieved the best results when selling holidays offered by AITO operators.

Regional winners included, for the second year running, Chester-based Deva Travel (North of England and Northern Ireland category) and Salisbury-based Traveller’s World (South of England category).

New AITO All Stars awards were also presented for the first time, with London-based Travel Designers picking up ‘Best Newcomer’ and Oxfordshire-based Full Circle Travel presented with the ‘Most Improved’ award for its successful sales in 2011.

The winners received top prizes from AITO operators, including holidays to Turkey with Anatolian Sky Holidays and to Tenerife with Classic Collection Holidays, a FAM trip place to Russia with Cox & Kings, a night on the Blue Train in South Africa courtesy of Visions Holiday Group and a hamper of Japanese food and drinks from InsideJapan Tours.

The live final of the AITO Agents’ Mastermind Challenge 2011 competition also took place at the conference to unveil 2011’s most travel-savvy AITO Agent. The exciting finale saw Melanie Sallis of Journeys à la Carte win the coveted prize, to much acclaim.

Sponsored by the Spanish National Tourist Office, Catalan Tourist Board and Online Travel Training (OTT), Melanie received a grand prize of a holiday for two in a four-star hotel in Barcelona.

The Mastermind challenge saw four AITO Agent finalists compete for the title of the smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK, including Polly Davies of Marco Polo Travel, Sally Dixon of Spear Travels Jetclub Ltd and Lorna Tissier of Colchester Travel.

Another key announcement at the conference included our plans to launch a new glossy consumer travel magazine for exclusive, free distribution by AITO Agents members. Edited by the award-winning travel journalist, David Wickers, the publication will feature inspirational travel editorial written by experienced writers and will give AITO Agents yet another important asset in their sales armoury. AITO Agents' Chairman, Oliver Broad says: “We believe that our new consumer travel magazine will help to differentiate still further AITO Agents from their competitors”.

Who will be the AITO Agent Mastermind?

2012-01-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

Not long now until the live final of the AITO Agents’ Mastermind Challenge 2011 competition, taking place at the AITO Specialist Travel Agents' domestic conference -held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire, 14-15 January 2012!

We're on a quest to find the smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK and are delighted to announce that the four Mastermind finalists are Polly Davies of Marco Polo Travel, Melanie Sallis of Journeys a la Carte, Sally Dixon of Spear Travels Jetclub Ltd and Lorna Tissier of Colchester Travel.

Sponsored by the Spanish National Tourist Office, Catalan Tourist Board and Online Travel Training (OTT), the Mastermind challenge final will be held on the Saturday evening during the gala evening at the conference.

The conference is our biggest yet - with a record number of more than 200 delegates set to attend. The programme will include an engaging mix of speakers addressing key industry matters, interactive workshops and numerous other exciting announcements too.

Congratulations to our Mastermind finalists and good luck all!

AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference 2012 set to be bigger than ever

2012-01-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to unveil a comprehensive programme of activity at what will be our biggest domestic conference yet - taking place at the prestigious Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire on 14-15 January 2012.

The annual domestic conference is set to see the largest gathering of truly independent agents and operators in the UK travel sector.

We are extremely delighted to see how popular this conference is proving amongst our members and their tour operator counterparts.

With a record number of more than 200 delegates set to attend the conference, the programme will include an engaging mix of speakers addressing key industry matters, interactive workshops and numerous exciting announcements.

AITO Agents’ domestic conference 2012 programme:

Speaker programme:
Andy Cohen, Manager of ATOL Licensing at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will update conference delegates about the ATOL Reform process, highlighting what AITO members (agents and operators alike) must do in preparation for the launch.

Andy Cohen says: “This is a great opportunity to inform agents and tour operators about the perceived complexities of ATOL Reform. We are very keen to ensure the transition process goes as smoothly as possible and that everyone is aware of what they need to do.”

Lorraine Barnes Burton, CEO of The British Travel Awards, will also speak at the conference about what travel agents can learn from the results of the consumer insight survey, TravelVision 2012. The survey contains an analysis of the emotional drivers, practical considerations and buying intentions of over 21,000 UK households that completed the online survey, expressing over 280,000 opinions, between 1 April and 30 September 2011.

Delegates will discuss how the survey results impact on the way AITO Agents conduct their businesses and what measures they can put into place to address - and benefit from - the findings.

Lorraine Barnes Burton says: “One of the key findings in the survey is the fact that, increasingly, consumers are using the internet as a holiday information source and search tool. It will be interesting to discuss with AITO Agents how they intend to channel this interest into footfall and business for their agencies.”

Workshops:
A new ‘speed-dating’ style face-to-face workshop at the domestic conference will offer AITO Agents the chance to learn more about important unique and inspiring trips offered by the newest operators to the AITO operator portfolio.

There will also be a beginner’s guide-to-AITO workshop for new members or those in need of a refresher to help them to get the best of out their membership, highlighting new projects in the pipeline, best practice and hearing some success stories about how AITO Agents and operators have worked together to maximise sales.

Announcements:
An array of award wins will be revealed during the Gala Dinner at the conference, including the overall national and regional winners of the AITO All Stars incentive scheme 2011 which recognises those AITO Agents who have achieved the best results when selling holidays offered by AITO.

The winners will receive top prizes from AITO operators, including holidays in South Africa with Visions Holiday Group, Turkey with Anatolian Sky Holidays, Tenerife with Classic Collection Holidays and Russia with Cox & Kings.

The live final of the AITO Agents’ Mastermind Challenge 2011 competition will also take place at the conference to unveil 2011’s most travel-savvy AITO Agent.

Sponsored by the Spanish National Tourist Office, Catalan Tourist Board and Online Travel Training (OTT), the Mastermind challenge see agents compete for the title of smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK.

And, finally, the destination of the joint AITO Agents and AITO overseas conference in June 2012 will be revealed at the domestic conference. Following fantastic feedback about the first-ever joint conference last year in the emerging destination of Vilnius, Lithuania, the joint format conference will be repeated in 2012.

Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, says: “You can’t overestimate the importance of networking in this industry and our annual domestic conference is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. It allows AITO Agents to receive, share and discuss information that really matters, in order to become the very best independent agents that they can be. We’re delighted to have a record number of delegates this year and look forward to delving into the most relevant industry issues, as well as celebrating the success of members.”

AITO Agents welcomes two new members

2011-12-20T04:42:00.000-08:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents is delighted to announce two new members – Hyde Barker Travel and Feherty Travel.

Based in Southwell, Nottingham, Hyde Barker Travel (pictured above) is well established and has recently been taken over by Barbara Cray and John Lightwood who have a strong track record in tour operations, active travel and specialist destination experience.

Barbara Cray of Hyde Barker Travel says: “We believe our aspirations marry well with those of AITO, namely to offer a quality product at a value for money price underscored by excellent personal service. We look forward to meeting and learning from AITO members as we endeavour to move the business forward in the coming years.”

Based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, the award-winning Feherty Travel prides itself on offering independent advice. Founded in 1973 by two brothers, Billy and Jack Feherty, the company has six members of staff – each with 20 years’ travel experience.

Neil Walker, Manager of Feherty Travel, says: “We’re delighted to become an AITO Agent and honoured to be the first member in Northern Ireland. AITO membership will only enhance our service to clients, opening us up to a fantastic range of products and offering customers the widest possible choice of quality holidays.”

We warmly welcome both Hyde Barker Travel and Feherty Travel to AITO Agents. We hope to see them both, along with a record number of other AITO Agents, at our domestic conference taking place at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire on 14-15 January 2012.

AITO Agents' Mastermind Winner 2010 shares her top tips

2011-11-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

Want to know what it takes to win AITO Agents' Mastermind 2011? Last year's winner, Claire Hunt from Journeys a la Carte shares her top tips and explains why every AITO Agent should have a go at entering!

For the chance to be crowned AITO Agent Mastermind 2011, complete these 50 questions online, before close of play on 4 December.

Finalists will compete for a grand prize of a four-night trip for two to Barcelona staying in a four-star hotel.

Good luck all!

AITO All Star Champions to be crowned at AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference

2011-11-25T01:25:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to announce that the national winner of the AITO All Stars incentive scheme is set be revealed at AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ annual domestic conference - taking place at the prestigious Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire on 14-15 January 2012.

The overall national and regional winners of 2011 for AITO’s incentive scheme will be unveiled at the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ conference in January, recognising those AITO Agents who have achieved the best results when selling holidays offered by AITO - a collection of more than 140 specialist operators covering the world, with an unrivalled selection of trips.

Winners will receive an exciting array of prizes, including a holiday in South Africa with Visions Holiday Group and in Turkey with Anatolian Sky Holidays.

The AITO All Stars incentive scheme involves an ongoing league table of top-booking AITO Agents, rewarding them with monthly prizes too.

The winner of the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Mastermind challenge 2011 competition will also be announced at the domestic conference.

Sponsored by the Spanish National Tourist Office, Catalan Tourist Board and Online Travel Training (OTT), the Mastermind challenge sees agents compete for the title of smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK.

We're looking forward to toasting the successes of AITO Agents at the annual domestic conference 2012, which also offers agents the chance to keep their fingers on the pulse of industry developments and take advantage of unique training opportunities.

The full conference programme will be announced soon, but it’s set to include a comprehensive line-up of high-profile speakers, plus The Marketplace, where agents can meet AITO operators face-to-face and learn about their new products, and business sessions that will delve into the most relevant industry issues.

For further information about or to attend the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference, contact Evelyn at AITO: Evelyn@aito.com or 020 8744 9271

Mastermind challenge 2011 - deadline extended!

2011-11-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

The deadline for AITO Specialist Travel Agents to enter our online Mastermind 2011 challenge has been extended to 4 December 2011!

We're on a quest to find the smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK.

For the chance to be crowned AITO Agent Mastermind 2011, complete these 50 questions online, before close of play on 4 December.

The fastest agents with the correct answers will then take part in an online semi-final, with the Mastermind challenge winner 2011 revealed at the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ annual domestic conference, taking place 14-15 January 2012 at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.

Finalists will compete for a grand prize of a four-night trip for two to Barcelona staying in a four-star hotel.

Last year's AITO Agent Mastermind winner, Claire Hunt from Journeys a la Carte (pictured), says: "The Mastermind Challenge is a brilliant opportunity to increase your knowledge whilst having fun - it certainly draws on knowledge you forget you have! Realising just how much you DO know is exhilarating! It’s a great way to represent your company. Getting to the final and winning was a wonderful experience and a great sense of achievement - I would recommend having a go!”

Good luck!

AITO success at British Travel Awards 2011

2011-11-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

We were delighted to see AITO Specialist Travel Agent, Haslemere Travel, scoop the gold Small Travel Retailer of the Year Award at the annual prestigious British Travel Awards 2011, held at London’s Battersea Evolution venue last week.

Competing with high street names such as Virgin, Kuoni and Thomas Cook, Haslemere Travel’s accolade was voted for by the British public, with 700,000 votes cast.

Haslemere Travel’s founder and chairman, Andrew Brownrigg, attended the glittering ceremony to pick up the award.

Gemma Antrobus, Managing Director of Haslemere Travel, says: “In our case, small is definitely beautiful – getting to know our clients individually is crucial to our business and I am extremely proud of our progressive and forward-thinking team.”

The event was a success for AITO overall too, with other winners on the night including Classic Collection Hoildays, Cox & Kings, Eurocamp, Explore, Great Rail Journeys, InsideJapan Tours, Ionian Island Holidays, Journey Latin America, Keycamp Holidays and Wendy Wu Tours.

Congratulations to everyone! Our continued hard work is paying off, with these awards a wonderful reminder that customers really do appreciate top-quality customer service and specialist advice.

WTM 2011 Seminar Success...

2011-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who attended the AITO / AITO Specialist Travel Agents seminar today at WTM. We had a great turn out and it was really interesting to catch up with fellow colleagues from the trade and press.

We have already received some coverage in the Travel Weekly. Thanks to Kate, Gemma, Peter and Oliver for their time and spreading the word about AITO.

Are you the AITO Agent Mastermind of 2011?

2011-10-28T03:57:00.000-07:00

AITO Agents is once again on a quest to find the smartest, most knowledgeable AITO Agent in the UK.

Sponsored by the Spanish National Tourist Office, Catalan Tourist Board and Online Travel Training (OTT), the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Mastermind challenge 2011 competition is now open.

The first stage of the challenge invites all staff from the 130 AITO Agent members to complete 50 Mastermind questions online, before 26 November.

The fastest agents with the correct answers will then take part in an online semi-final, with the Mastermind challenge winner 2011 revealed at the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ annual domestic conference, taking place 14-15 January 2012 at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.

Finalists will compete for a grand prize of a four-night trip for two to Barcelona staying in a four-star hotel.

AITO Agents are renowned for providing customers with the highest quality specialist travel knowledge – the sort of independent advice that keeps customers coming back, over and over again. This Mastermind challenge allows us to celebrate and reward the very best AITO Agents for their range and diversity of travel knowledge.

Click here for the terms and conditions of the Mastermind challenge 2011.

Welcoming a new member!

2011-10-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to announce a new AITO Agent member – Cheshire-based Tarporley Travel

Launched in 2009, Tarporley Travel prides itself on offering an incredibly personalised and flexible service to make every aspect of holiday planning an exciting experience. Customers can visit their private offices or request a home visit.

Run by Emma Parry and Lynette Simpson – combining 35 years’ travel experience - the travel agent also specialises in corporate travel and tailor-making holidays to celebrate a special occasion, such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

Emma Parry of Tarporley Travel says: “We decided to become an AITO Agent to have access to the best independent tour operators in the business (AITO) and to forge long-term effective working relationships. Tarporley Travel is a small owner-managed agency, offering holidays all over the world. Like other AITO Agents, we aim to provide the highest level of personal customer service and feel that by working with AITO operators, we can achieve this.”

AITO seminar at the World Travel Market 2011 - The State of Independent Travel Agents and Tour Operators

2011-10-04T01:57:00.000-07:00

AITO Tour Operators and Specialist Travel Agents are set to address what is required for travel companies to stay independent and in business at a seminar at the World Travel Market 2011 – held from 11am to 12 noon on 10 November at the North Gallery (room nine).

Chaired by AITO’s Chairman, Derek Moore, the ‘State of Independent Travel Agents and Tour Operators’ seminar will look at how independent companies can compete successfully with the collection of specialist tour operators now held within the big boys’ portfolios.

The seminar will feature the expert speakers Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents and Director of Robert Broad Travel; Peter Traynor, General Manager of Collette Worldwide Holidays and Gemma Antrobus, Managing Director of Haslemere Travel and AITO Agents Panel Member.

The seminar is open to AITO and non AITO members, with attendees invited to ask questions and contribute thoughts.

AITO Chairman, Derek Moore says: “With the soon-to-be loss of Co-op from our high street and the rise of the Thomas Cook brand, the independent status of travel companies is increasingly important. This important seminar will look at exactly how independents can survive and prosper when competing against the ‘big boys’ – including delivering the best standards of customer service and offering the highest quality, often unique, holiday experiences.”

AITO and AITO Agents celebrate success at The Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2011

2011-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to see AITO Agent and operator members recognised at the prestigious Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2011, held in Tenerife at the weekend.

The Staffordshire-based AITO Agent, Journeys à la Carte, won the ‘Best Travel Agent’ award, in recognition of its loyal customer following, expertise, impartial advice and commitment to personal service.

Up against the likes of big hitters such as Travel Counsellors, Co-op Travel, STA Travel and Flight Centre, this is a real achievement for a totally independent single-office agency, and we’re very proud of its success.

AITO operators were also recognised, including ‘Best Tour Operator – small operator’, which featured AITO members Wild Frontiers and Audley Travel, while Original Travel and Kirker Holidays were recognised in the ‘Best Short Break Operator – small operator’ category.

Says AITO Chairman, Derek Moore: “I was very pleased indeed to note that specialist companies performed well in this year’s awards, out-performing bigger companies, especially since the consumers voting obviously rated very highly the performance of several AITO members”.

Margaret May of Journeys à la Carte says: “We’re delighted to win this award for the second time. It’s been a great few weeks, with our recent travel trade award win for Retail Team of the Year too. It means a lot to us to know that our clients appreciate us and we would like to thank them for their support, as well as that of the wonderful tour operators with which we work closely.”

Click here to see the full list of winners.

AITO All Stars announces winners of luxury Caribbean fam trip

2011-09-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to reveal that the top eight selling agents in our AITO All Stars incentive scheme over the first half of 2011 are Journeys à la Carte, Robert Broad Travel, Deva Travel, Travellers World, Howard Travel, Haslemere Travel, Travel Designers and Beaver Travel.

The winning agents will have their hard work rewarded with a luxury trip to the Barbados in the Caribbean in May 2012, courtesy of AITO operators ITC Classics and Complete Caribbean.

The trip has been designed to bring together owners and directors of these businesses to network and discuss best practice in the independent sector, whilst at the same time showcasing the operators’ top destinations.

Chris Edwards of Complete Caribbean, an AITO Agents’ panel member, says: “There’s great potential for independent agents at the moment, and this trip not only rewards top performing companies, but brings together those in similar positions around the UK to discuss how we can strengthen our position in the market.”

Building further upon the success of the AITO All Stars incentive scheme, we can also reveal that our second-ever incentive trip will be to Egypt, courtesy of AITO operator On The Go Tours. This will be aimed at front-line sales staff and awarded to the top selling agents for the second half of 2011.

Departing in March 2012, the nine-day VIP ‘Jewel of the Nile’ Egyptian adventure will treat winners to an array of exciting activities, including a stay in one of Cairo's smartest hotels, a cruise on the River Nile aboard a five-star cruiser and visits to the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara.

The AITO All Stars incentive scheme rewards agent members for booking AITO holidays. The scheme involves an ongoing league table of top booking agents and rewards them with monthly prizes and annual awards too.

AITO Agents training - Australia House, 20 September

2011-09-26T03:36:00.001-07:00

AITO Agents training - Australia House, 20 September, a set on Flickr.

Photographs taken from last week's training event in London at Australia House.

Our next and final Autumn product training event will be in Birmingham, this Wednesday at the Radisson BLU hotel...

TTG Awards 2011 - and the AITO winners are...

2011-09-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to all of the AITO Agents and that were shortlisted for and picked up accolades at last night’s TTG Awards – held in a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House hotel.

AITO Agent, Journeys a la Carte was awarded Retail Team of the Year and AITO operator, Caribtours was named Specialist Operator of the Year and Long Haul Operator of the Year!

Claire Hunt of Journeys a la Carte, says: “We’re delighted to receive this TTG award, especially because it demonstrates the success of our team. Team work has always been so important to us and it’s great to have that recognised.”

Paul Cleary, Managing Director of Caribtours, says: “We had most of our team with us at the Grosvenor House last night and we are all thrilled to pick up two TTG Awards. It means the world to a small company like ours to get this recognition.

Caribtours has actually been voted Best Specialist Operator every year for the last six years but this one felt particularly special to me. There is no escaping that this year has been a really tough one for our market, so recognition like this goes a very long way to reminding our team that the independent travel agents still love the way we do things and that we need to stay true to them.

“Winning Best Long Haul Operators is a dream come true too. To know that Caribtours’ values of passion, knowledge, charming service and brilliant staff with unbridled enthusiasm are all so highly valued, means a great deal. I have always known we are a very special company and maybe now it seems that others do too.”

Well done to those AITO operators and agents that were shortlisted in the finals too, including Eton Travel (Business Travel Management Company of the Year), Anatolian Sky (Short Haul and Specialist Operator of the Year), Wendy Wu (Specialist Operator of the Year) and Haslemere Travel and Travel Stop (Travel Company of the year – retail, under £50 million).

Come to our autumn training event (an extra special treat for Harry Potter fans!)

2011-09-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents is set to hold a free evening product training session for its members at Australia House in London (6pm -9.30pm on 20 September 2011) – the setting of many famous films, including Gringott's Bank in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

As well as taking in these unique surroundings, AITO Agents in attendance will be updated on important developments across the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) tour operator partners – holidays typically offered by the agents.

It will also act as a useful refresher session, assisting AITO Agents to continue to sell AITO product offerings - a collection of more than 140 specialist operators covering the world with an unrivalled selection of trips. Canapés and drinks will be served during the evening.

As AITO Specialist Travel Agents, we pride themselves on quality, expertise and independence, with regular training sessions helping to strengthen these values.

And it’s an added bonus that we have secured such a prestigious venue for this year’s autumn training event - the Great Room at Australia House!

It is vital that AITO agents and operators continue to meet face-to-face, in order to be ‘on message’ with regards to the latest product offerings and to ensure the greatest level of customer satisfaction.

Book your place now by calling 020 8744 9271 or email aitoagents@aito.com.

AITO and AITO Agents unveil Holiday Festival Fortnight

2011-09-02T03:32:00.000-07:00

AITO and AITO Agents are set to hold their first Holiday Festival Fortnight from 1-15 October 2011, with agents organising an array of engaging face-to-face customer events to reinforce the enormous diversity of excellent holidays available through AITO, and the benefits of booking through AITO Specialist Travel Agents.

Building on last year’s AITO Holiday Inspirations Week, the fortnight’s entertaining and educational events will be wide-ranging: from a ‘Meet the Expert’ talk on Japan to a Mad Hatter’s tea party for mums and toddlers, from a Moroccan-themed tagine demo and tasting to a wedding and honeymoon fayre and an evening film screening.

Customers will be able to pop into their nearest AITO Specialist Travel Agent any time over these two weeks at the beginning of October and find themselves party to drinks, lunches, promotions and competitions. Not only does it serve as an entertaining break from the norm, but the Holiday Festival Fortnight also offers invaluable independent travel advice on the high street. Good causes benefit too, as often it’s a multi-party mission to raise money for local charities and projects.

The fortnight coincides with the AITO Travel Expo 2011 on Wednesday 12th October at London’s Science Museum from 6 pm – 8.30 pm. Here, over 70 specialist tour operators and national tourist offices will be offering one-to-one travel counsel for interested consumers. They’ll brief customers on what’s new, where’s hot and where they should be heading in 2012. It’s an evening of mingling with the pioneers and trend-setters of travel. Many company founders and those with insider knowledge will be in attendance to share stories, anecdotes and their passion for travel.

For further information about Holiday Festival Fortnight, please visit: www.aito.co.uk/AitoTravelExpo.asp

Specialist travel agent returns to AITO Agents

2011-09-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to announce that Stratford-based travel agent, Tana Travel, has joined AITO Agents for a second time.

Tana Travel was previously an AITO Agent member for four years but decided not to renew its membership in 2010 as part of a cost-saving initiative. However, less than a year later, the travel agent has rejoined AITO Agents after feeling the downside of non membership.

Philip Mannion, Operations Director of Tana Travel, says: “Due to the economic climate, we decided to cut back last year and not to renew our AITO Agent membership. We did, however, stay loyal to AITO operators and business thankfully has now picked up tremendously.

“We have signed up as an AITO Agent member again because the advantages are simply too good to miss. For example, the close ties between AITO Agents and AITO operators are so important. We can assure customers with every confidence that they will receive top quality, personalised service from an AITO operator and this is very different from what they can expect from ‘big boy’ operators, where a customer is often just another bum on a seat.

“We’re proud to be associated with AITO again, to be displaying its logo in-store, to have the AITO brochures on our shelves again and, most importantly, to be working closer with the operator partners.”

Tana Travel has a 27-year history, with its team of seven boasting over 80 years’ travel experience. The travel agent offers tailor-made holidays across the world, with its specialist areas including East and South Africa.

AITO and AITO Agents' overseas conference 2011 – delegate survey results revealed

2011-08-26T03:44:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to announce that the first-ever joint AITO and AITO Agents' conference format and destination of Vilnius has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Following the first-ever joint overseas conference in Vilnius in June 2011, a delegate survey has revealed that both organisations are keen to forge even closer links and repeat the format in 2012.

Both AITO and AITO Agents polled delegates after Vilnius with a wide-ranging questionnaire and the findings proved that there is an appetite for closer integration amongst the organisations. The results also revealed exceeded expectations about the Lithuanian capital.

Sponsored by the Lithuanian Tourist Board, the conference was combined to celebrate two exciting milestones - the 35th anniversary of AITO and the 15th anniversary of AITO Agents – and to reinforce even greater links in the spirit of the Closer Ties scheme between AITO and AITO Agents.

The conference saw an engaging mix of big-name speakers from both inside and outside the travel industry and offered delegates greater networking opportunities.

The prevailing feeling from the survey respondents was that the destination of the conference played a big role in the success of the first combined event. It can be hard to impress travel professionals who have seen it all, yet delegates said Vilnius was “a fantastic choice” and “a clean, safe and charming city with a vibrant young heart”.

The only negative was that many felt their visit was too short and that more time was needed to explore its attractions. Such was the popularity of the city that more than 25% of respondents that had previously not sold Vilnius, said that as a result of the conference they would now do so - a ringing endorsement of its charms.

The key findings from the survey were:

• 65% of respondents said that they liked the combined conference format
• Over 80% of respondents said that Vilnius exceeded their expectations
• Over 75% felt that the conference offered good value for money
• Over 25% of respondents that had not previously sold Vilnius, would do now

Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO, says: "The feedback from delegates who attended the first joint conference in Vilnius was overwhelmingly in favour of us keeping the same arrangement. Much of the success for this year’s conference was down to Vilnius being such a superb location and a city that welcomed delegates with open arms. The Lithuanian National Tourist Office and the people of Vilnius could not have been warmer hosts and contributed to one of the most memorable conferences on record.”

Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Agents, says: “With this being the first joint overseas conference, it was more important than ever to choose the right destination, and Vilnius certainly didn't disappoint. We decided upon Vilnius because it has a similar ethos to the kind of holiday or service typically offered by AITO operators and agents – something unique, special or relatively unknown. We felt as if we were helping to unveil a secret destination to many of our delegates and the wonderful feedback from them demonstrates just how impressed they were.”

Augusta Jaudegyte, Director of the Lithuanian Tourist Board, says: “We are delighted with the positive feedback received from the delegates of the joint AITO overseas conference and thoroughly enjoyed welcoming them to our country for this milestone event. We take great pride in not only our capital city, Vilnius, but in the entire country as a fascinating place where visitors can experience our culture, traditions and visit an array of sites and attractions. Lithuania is wonderfully diverse, from the Baroque and Gothic architecture of Vilnius to the stunning forests, lakes, coastline, castles and exquisite cuisine.”

For more information about Vilnius and Lithuania go to www.lithuaniatourism.co.uk. For more information on AITO, see www.aito.com, and for more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, visit www.aitoagents.com.

AITO's Holiday Festival Fortnight plans underway...

2011-08-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Plans are well underway for AITO's Holiday Festival Fortnight 2011, taking place during the first 2 weeks of October. Following on from previous year's 'AITO Weeks' we have decided to extend the promotion to allow more time for consumer events to take place.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents have found this a most useful promotion in previous year's to help highlught AITO holidays and the niche products they can sell, helping them stand out in the marketplace.

More details will be announced soon so stay tuned!

All Stars report staggering 40% sales increase in June 2011

2011-07-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

We're very happy to report an overall sales increase of 40% in June 2011 compared with the same month last year via the AITO All Stars incentive scheme!

The latest like-for-like survey of AITO Agents and participating AITO tour operators in the All Stars scheme shows a 40% rise in overall sales revenue for June 2011, compared with the results of the same survey for June 2010.

The AITO All Stars incentive scheme rewards agent members for booking AITO holidays. The scheme involves an ongoing league table of top booking agents and rewards them with monthly prizes, as well as a luxury Caribbean fam trip in association with ITC Classics for the top eight selling agents across the first half of 2011 and annual awards.

This sales rise in June is fantastic news, demonstrating the growing strength of the partnership between AITO agents and operators. June was a milestone month for our organisation, with the first-ever joint AITO Agents and AITO overseas conference held in Vilnius, helping to reinforce even greater links in the spirit of the Closer Ties scheme and clearly contributing to this great sales rise.

Welcoming another new member!

2011-07-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to announce a new member – the Tyne and Wear based award-winning independent agent, Westoe Travel

Located in South Shields, Westoe Travel is a family-owned travel agent that specialises in holidays in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA.

Set up 22 years ago, Westoe Travel has won a multitude of awards, including Brit Travel Awards 2010 and 2011, STEP Retailer of the Year 2008 and 2009 and TIPTO Travel Agent of the Year (Northern Nominee).

Graeme Brett, Managing Director of Westoe Travel, says: “We have found that the independent companies, particularly those that are members of AITO, are far more supportive than the big companies of independent agents such as ourselves, regardless of the amount of business we produce. They are very keen to work with us for mutual benefit. We will never forget the shock of one large operator telling us we were their best-performing independent agent and then, two days later, sending us an email saying they were reducing our commission.

“The range of product offered by the AITO suppliers is superb and fits in with our policy of offering alternative and specialised holidays to our customers and working with suppliers based on mutual respect, trust and co-operation.”

Our conference venue Vilnius receives great press coverage...

2011-07-14T01:44:00.000-07:00

Those that attended our overseas conference last month all know what a great city Vilnius is. And so it is great to see theTelegraph have covered the destination this week. See below for more details...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/lithuania/8629835/Vilnius-Lithuania-a-cultural-city-guide.html

Birmingham Training Event booking now...

2011-07-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce our exciting Autumn product training event for our AITO Agent members will be taking place in Birmingham on Wednesday 28th September 2011. This event will mark the launch of ‘AITO’s Holiday Festival Fortnight’ that will commence on the following Saturday. (This year we have extended ‘AITO Week’ to allow for more promotions to take place).

We have a great evening planned and do hope you and your colleagues are able to join us. The venue will be the prestigious Radisson BLU hotel in the centre of Birmingham (www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-birmingham/location<http://www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-birmingham/location> )

As this is a special event numbers are strictly limited and so we encourage you to sign up early to avoid disappointment. To do so, simply click here <https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEV0NkNMR1d2cmhISDdqb3A0dW84ZkE6MQ> .

For more details about this event visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177269688990156

Awarding the best in travel at AITO and AITO Agents’ overseas conference 2011

2011-06-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to recognise top AITO Agent members at the joint AITO Agents and AITO conference in Vilnius.

Awards were presented to a number of outstanding AITO agents, operators and individuals during the grand farewell gala dinner, held at Vilnius’s Town Hall; celebrating their fantastic contribution to the AITO community.

The Top AITO Agent award went to Travellers World, with runners-up Robert Broad Travel (2nd place) and Haslemere Travel (3rd place). Off Broadway Travel (Welwyn) was recognised as Best AITO Agent Newcomer and past AITO Agents’ Chairman and TravelTime’s Managing Director, Barry Moxley, picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Well done to everyone and thanks again to all the AITO agents that attended the conference!

Day 1 Success at AITO Agents & AITO combined conference in Vilnius

2011-06-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Day 1 sessions have come to a close following a successful selection of speakers. Both AITO and AITO Specialist Travel Agents members joined together for the opening of the conference that welcomed an economical review from Berenbergs Bank, followed by a panel discussion about marketing emerging markets, including special guests from the Lithuanian tourist board.

Gemma Antrobus of Haslemere Travel represented the AITO Specialist Travel Agents suggesting FAM trips are key to education and training agents in order to learn the 'ins and outs' of a new destination. "We need to send the right clients to the right destination". Gemma suggested that agents need to also learn about what else the country of Lithuania offers outside of the city of Vilnius.

Following the coffee break agents and trade friendly operators moved into their own room where Ted Wake, Deputy Chairman of AITO Agents interviewed April Hutchinson, Editor of TTG Luxury on the theme of selling service over price. Ted then also interviewed Mick Dupont of Cruise Portfolio on the current state of the cruise industry.

Agents and operator partners then discussed various topics in a round table breakout session led by Stephanie Jones, panel member of AITO Agents and Agency Sales Manager at Anatolian Sky Holidays.

Stephanie commented "There were some really good ideas coming out of the 'Have your Say" session. It is so valuable to hear the agents feedback and ideas so we can improve the services we work on for them."

Following lunch the agents and trade friendly operators took part in their 'marketplace' that took over the rest of the afternoon.

AITO Agents Chairman, Oliver Broad comments "I am really pleased with how our first day went. We have some great speakers lined up for our sessions tomorrow too, along with some exciting announcements...you could say 'The best is yet to come!!"

Glorious sunshine in Vilnius

2011-06-16T07:56:00.001-07:00

Operators, agents and affiliates are arriving into Vilnius for the 2011 AITO and AITO Agents Overseas conference in Lithuania.

The sun is shining and everyone us enjoying a look around the old town before heading to a unique location for welcome drinks an dinner.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Arklių gatvė,Vilnius,Lithuania

Conference excitement begins...

2011-06-15T15:18:00.001-07:00

Delegates have started to arrive for the 2011 AITO and AITO Overseas conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Arriving from various points in the UK, travel industry professionals including agents, operators and AITO Affiliates are flying into Vilnius for the first every conference for AITO members and AITO Agents to join together. This marks the 35th anniversary of AITO and 15 gets of AITO Specialist Travel Agents.

A number of interesting speakers have been lined up over this weekend from both within and outside of the travel industry.

Follow #AITO11 on twitter to keep up with the latest developments.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Arklių gatvė,Vilnius,Lithuania

Vilnius here we come...

2011-06-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Some of the AITO crew are already out there, more are on their way today and with delegates arriving over tomorrow work is underway to make the AITO Agents & AITO 2011 Overseas Conference a great success.

- More agents in attendance than in Gdansk in Poland, 2009

- Over 45% more operators attending, offer much more networking opportunities for agents

- A great new, emerging destination for us to learn about

Stay tuned for live daily pictures and reports here on the AITO Agents blog:

http://aitoagents.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @AITOAgents, search for #AITO11 to follow live tweets

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aitoagents

For those attending, we all look forward to seeing you there!!

Daily Telegraph mentions AITO Specialist Travel Agents

2011-06-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Welcoming new members...

2011-06-06T02:25:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to announce two new AITO Specialist Travel Agent members - Cockermouth Travel and Sutton Travel

Cockermouth Travel, based in Cumbria in North West England, is one of the largest independent travel agents in the UK, with its team of 13 having over 200 years of experience in the travel industry. Since opening its doors in 1980, the new AITO Agent has delivered a travel experience tailored to the individual taste and budget of each customer. It handles all aspects of the travel booking process and is available 24/7 to its customers.

Sutton Travel, based in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, is a family owned and run business, set up by Andy Tomlinson, who has over 20 years’ experience working for large and small travel agency companies. All of its members of staff use their in-depth travel knowledge to help customers make the best choices when travelling.

It's fantastic to see these agents join the AITO Agents community. Facing the potential threat of the proposed Thomas Cook and The Co-operative Group merger, there's no better time for independent specialist travel agents to unite and stand up for the quality customer service they believe in delivering, taking advantage of the many benefits offered with membership of AITO Agents, including access to a whole host of new suppliers and opportunities!

Andy Tomlinson from Sutton Travel said:"Since opening for trading just under two years ago, our business has gone from strength to strength, which just goes to prove that there is a healthy future ahead for good quality independent travel agents, prepared to go the extra mile on service, and offer products and destinations not always offered by the multiples. Working with AITO suppliers, and using their knowledge of their own products and specialist destinations, will only help our business continue to thrive over the years to come."

Paul Cusack of Cockermouth Travel said: "We are delighted to have joined AITO Agents, I feel the quality of the product and service offered by the Independent operators perfectly complements our business model."

Finalists announced for the "AITO Superb Service Award" 2011, voted by AITO Agents

2011-05-23T09:49:00.001-07:00

The 2011 AITO Agents 'Agent & Supplier Awards 2011' will be awarded at the 2011 AITO Agents & AITO Overseas Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania next month.

NEW 'AITO Superb Service' Award...
This new award has been created to recognise an individual working at an AITO tour operator and is voted by the AITO Agents. It is based on their commitment to superb service, reflecting the values inherent in AITO as an organisation.

AITO Specialist Travel Agent members have made their nominations and we are pleased to announce the finalists are:

- Sue John, Sunvil Holidays
- Mary Grimwood, Safari Consultants

- Ben Williams, Kirker Holidays

Congratulations to all three finalists! The winner will be announced at the 2011 AITO Agents & AITO joint conference in Vilnius next month along with the winner of the 'AITO Closer Ties Operator of the Year' and 'Best AITO Newcomer', all voted by the AITO Agents.

There will also be three awards for the agents to win, voted by the AITO operators:
- AITO Agent of the Year
- Best AITO Agent newcomer
- Outstanding Contribution to AITO (individual award)

To see who the winners are you will have to attend the conference; for details contact aitoagents@aito.com.

Best of luck to you all!

AITO All Stars - April 2011 results announced...

2011-05-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

The Results are in! AITO All Stars is an incentive scheme that reveals the league table of the top 20 AITO Specialist Travel Agents by region and nationally in the UK.

And the winners for April 2011 are...

South of England
- Travellers World, Salisbury

Central England and the East
- Journeys a la carte, Uttoxeter

North of England

- The Travel Bureau, Gosforth

National Winner so far...
- Robert Broad Travel, Lichfield

Congratulations to all the winners. If you want to know more details about AITO Specialist Travel Agents, click here

AITO Agents celebrate launch of Customer Charter...

2011-05-17T02:54:00.000-07:00

(Medway Travel)

(Haslemere Travel)

(Eton Travel)

(Travel Designers)

(Journeys a la carte)

AITO Agents’ survey - majority to switch sell Thomas Cook group if merger goes ahead

2011-05-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

A snap-shot survey of AITO Specialist Travel Agents has revealed that 86% of respondents say that they will sell away from Thomas Cook products if the merger does go ahead.

It also showed that 77% of members do not support the merger of Thomas Cook, The Co-operative Travel and Midlands Co-operative.

However, members expressed a mixed reaction when asked whether we should raise issues with the Competition Commission on their behalf. Individual feedback from members did highlight some potential positives resulting from the merger, including the hope that it would reinforce the true independence and quality of specialist knowledge delivered by an AITO Agent.

We have a really diverse membership, hence the mixed reaction. Some independents welcome the merger as their independent status will become more relevant to consumers. AITO Agents are, however, assisting members who wish to address the issues with the Competition Commission on an individual basis so please do get in touch.

The Competition Commission is set to rule on whether the merger will reduce retail competition in the UK, considering whether the deal will reduce competition in both local/regional areas and nationally, leading to in-house agents favouring the sale of Thomas Cook holidays and limiting the access of rival agents to Thomas Cook products.

Comments on the issues identified have to be submitted in writing to the Commission by Friday, 13 May, and it is due to rule on the merger by 16 August. If it decides the merger may result in a substantial lessening of competition, it will propose one or more remedies.

Last few places on Sales Skills training day - book now!

2011-05-05T01:01:00.001-07:00

Mixing Modern Communication Methods to help Close the Sale ...

Please note that this course has been cancelled.

Ensuring success and securing the sale at every opportunity is paramount in today’s climate. But how can we effectively communicate, and mix up our good old fashioned service with more modern methods of communication to ensure the right close for the right customer. Join us for this 1 day programme to learn more about proven techniques of how the achieve the confidence to Close effectively and ultimately increase revenue and customer satisfaction for your business.

- How to Effectively sell using all the Communication Mix - e-mail, telephone, face to face
- The Power of Effective Communication Techniques
- Asking for the Business/Overcoming Objections
- Increasing Confidence to Close the Sale
- After Sales Service

Time: 0930 – 1630 (full day with lunch provided)
Cost: £80 + VAT (£96.00) price decrease from 2009 & 2010
Who can attend: AITO Agents & Operators

Update: Please note that this course has been cancelled.

AITO Agents celebrate the launch of their new Customer Charter

2011-05-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Two members of the team at Haslemere Travel in Surrey celebrate the launch of the AITO Specialist Travel Agents Customer Charter

"Going beyond Google"

2011-05-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

There seems to be some interest in our '10 Point Promise' which forms part of our new AITO Agents Customer Charter...

Just to clear a few things up (for the benefit of some tweeters out there)...

AITO Agents or AITO Specialist Travel Agents is a subsidiary of AITO, whose members are the holiday companies. AITO Agents sell the holidays of AITO members, and are based all over the UK. So, be sure not to confuse AITO as the product and AITO Agents as the retailer.

This customer charter is aligned to our travel agent's, and the 10 point promise is a list of guidelines that AITO Agents follow in order to offer a superior service.

Point 2 states that we 'Go beyond Google'...meaning that due to our expertise in arranging worldwide holidays we do much more than simply use the internet to find you a holiday. The many years of experience our travel experts all over the UK have unique and an added bonus of booking a holiday with an AITO Specialist Travel Agent.

And so this was made as a generalised expression, which we understand most would understand in its context.

For more details about AITO Specialist Travel Agents please click here or browse this blog!

AITO Agents All Stars report staggering 13% sales increase in March

2011-04-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Fantastic news! AITO Agents can report an overall sales increase of 13% in March 2011 compared with the same month last year via the AITO All Stars incentive scheme

The latest like-for-like survey of AITO Agents and participating AITO tour operators in the All Stars scheme shows a 13% rise in overall sales revenue for March 2011, compared with the results of the same survey for March 2010.

The positive results follow last week's news that online travel industry sales in the UK fell by 2% in March 2011, so it's fantastic to see AITO Agents buck current trends in the industry and achieve this high level of sales success in March.

These results demonstrate that customers are increasingly choosing to book holidays with independent specialist travel agents and operators, whether for their expert knowledge about the destinations they are selling or the 100% financial protection that comes with all AITO holidays.

Now is the time for independent travel agents to shine and we encourage those who are not already members to get in touch and enquire about membership (aitoagents@aito.com). In what seems an increasingly competitive marketplace, there's nothing more valuable than seeking a wider product range via our AITO partnership, so why not consider joining us?

For more information or to find out about becoming a member of AITO Agents, go to www.aitoagents.com.

AITO Agents shine at 2011 Agent Achievement Awards

2011-04-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Oh what a night! AITO Specialist Travel Agents stole the show at the 15th annual Agent Achievement Awards, held at the Lancaster Hotel last night in London.

AITO Agent winners included:

The UK Principals’ Regional Agent of the Year Awards

Yorkshire, North Midlands & North East England
Small Agent: Travel Bureau (Gosforth)

Central England
Small Agent: Robert Broad Travel

South West England & South Wales
Small Agent: Traveller's World Salisbury

The UK Principals’ National Agent of the Year Awards

Luxury Agent of the Year
Robert Broad Travel

High Street Agent of the Year
Small Agent: Robert Broad Travel

The UK Industry of the Year Awards

High Street Manager of the Year
Sarah Roberts, Deva Travel

The Agent Achievement Awards Travel Agents Competition
Laura McPherson, Regent Travel

The Tipto Independent Proprietor of the Year Award
Diane Denney, Somewhere2Travel2

Congratulations should also go to the all of the AITO Specialist Travel Agents who were finalists. A full round up including pictures will be posted here on Monday.

Well done everyone!

AITO All Stars - March 2011 results announced...

2011-04-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

The results are in! March 2011 was a fantastic month for AITO Specialist Travel Agents, and now we can recognise the top selling members around the UK...

Main aspects of the scheme:

* 35+ AITO Tour Operators taking part (see list below) - Newly joined: Audley Travel andSouthern Africa Travel

* Each month they supply your sales figures to AITO (figures are kept confidential at AITO HQ).

* AITO HQ compiles a list of the top selling agents. Now listing the top 20 selling agents (emailed to members)

* Prizes awarded each month plus a fantastic Grand Prize for the top selling agencies of the year!

* Look out for Special Offers and News mailings featuring our participating operators.

Lucy's League Table

Please see below the top selling AITO Agents by region based on March sales figures as well as the National league table for the year so far. The winning agencies will be awarded with an Easter Tea Basket! Members can see the full top 20 list of agents.

South of England
1) WINNER - Travellers World, Salisbury

Central England and the East

1) WINNER - Journeys a la Carte, Uttoxeter

North of England

1) WINNER - Deva Travel, Chester

National Top 10 - Year so far (January - March 2011)

1) Robert Broad Travel, Lichfield

2) Journeys a la Carte, Uttoxeter

3) Travellers World, Salisbury

4) Deva Travel, Chester

5) Haslemere Travel, Haslemere

6) Howard Travel, Trowbridge

7) Travel Designers, London

8) Real Holidays, London

9) Tickets Anywhere Ltd, Thame

10) Travelux, Tenterden

Regional Winners - February 2011

South of England – Beaver Travel, Radlett
Central England and the East - Robert Broad Travel, Lichfield
North of England - Deva Travel, Chester

(League tables are based on revenue figures supplied from participating operators. Number of bookings is also taken into account to ensure accuracy of agent's position).

Disclaimer: All information gathered is dealt with by AITO head office only in the strictest confidence. No members of the AITO Agents Panel are involved in data gathering at any stage.

Operators taking part...

* 1st Class Holidays

* Anatolian Sky

* Audley Travel

* Beachcomber Tours

* Cadogan Holidays (note this operator has not supplied sales figures for March)

* Caribtours

* Carrier

* Classic Collection Holidays

* Collette Worldwide Holidays

* Complete Caribbean

* Cox & Kings

* Danube Express Limited

* Discover Ltd (note this operator has not supplied sales figures for March)

* Distinctive Americas

* Explore

* Expressions Holidays (note this operator has not supplied sales figures for March)

* GIC - The Villa Collection (formerly Greek Islands Club)

* Great Rail Journeys

* IBT Travel (Peak Experience) (note this operator has not supplied sales figures for March)

* Ilios Travel

* InsideJapan Tours

* Islands of Greece

* ITC Classics

* Kirker Holidays

* Mosaic Holidays

* On the Go Tours

* Prestige Holidays

* Safari Consultants Ltd

* Seasons

* Serenity Holidays

* skiNorway Ltd (note this operator has not supplied sales figures for March)

* Southern Africa Travel

* Sunvil

* Sunvil Traveller

* The Vacations Group

* TransIndus

* Visions of Africa

* Wendy Wu Tours

Is your favourite AITO operator in the AITO All Stars? If not, ask them why! Reply to this email or contact aitoagents@aito.com and tell us who you would like to see in the All Stars and we will send them the relevant information.

Training day success...

2011-04-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

One of the rooms at the AITO Agents Spring product training event

AITO Specialist Travel Agent members from all across London, the South East and further afield joined AITO tour operators for a special product training day.

Held at the Romanian Cultural Institute, the ex-residence of the Romanian Ambassador in Belgravia Square, London the full day event brought together 19 AITO tour operators to train agents on their latest developments, destinations and product news.

The training session yesterday was particularly useful to us as a new AITO tour operator and was a great way to meet with lots of agents in a short space of time. (AITO Operator feedback)

"It was great to hold the event somewhere a little different and to get a decent number of agents to London for the training day. We are already making plans for our Autumn training dates. These events are more important than ever as AITO Agents and operators are working closer and closer together to hold a strong position in the marketplace". Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents.

AITO Agents Autumn product training dates are:

Wednesday 7th September, Manchester City Centre
Wednesday 21st September, London

Tuesday 27th September, Midlands

Members should pencil these dates into their diaries now, further details will be announced very soon.

For more details about AITO Specialist Travel Agents visit www.aitoagents.com or email aitoagents@aito.com.

AITO Agents Spring Product Training

2011-04-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

AITO Agents Spring Product Training, a set on Flickr.

First Ever AITO Agents Fam Trip Announced...

2011-03-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

Building upon the success of the All Stars incentive scheme, we have introduced a new incentive with our tour operator partners where the top selling agents (from a 6-month period of January - June 2011) will be awarded with a free place on a fam trip.

We can now confirm that ITC Classics is delighted to present a unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable trip to the Caribbean in the autumn, where the Top 8 AITO Agents for the first 6 months of the year will be treated like VIP’s from start to finish…

The trip will take place between July and September with further details to be released in due course.

Should you have any questions, please contact aitoagents@aito.com

Strong presence of AITO Agents in Agent Achievement Awards shortlist

2011-03-05T02:37:00.000-08:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents is delighted to see many of its members revealed as finalists in the 15th Agent Achievement Awards.

AITO Agents are listed across all sub-categories of the Regional Agent of the Year Awards, including Carrick Travel, Robert Broad Travel and Regent Travel for Central England, Cathedral City Travel and Howard Travel for South West England and South Wales, Haslemere Travel and Travel Designers for London and South East England, Deva Travel for North West England and North Wales, Sovereign Travel & Leisure for London and South East England, and Spear Travels and Spa Travel for Yorkshire and North East England.

Further AITO Agent finalists include Journeys A La Carte, Beaver Travel (Radlett), Robert Broad Travel and Travel by Design for Luxury Agent of the Year, Nicholas McKay of Travel Designers and Sarah Roberts of Deva Travel for Leisure High Street Manager of the Year, as well as Travel Designers’ ‘Out and About' campaign and Select World Travel’s ‘Bahamas Flavour Educational’ campaign for Travel Promotion/Innovation of the Year.

The winners of the Agent Achievement Awards will be announced at a black tie dinner at the Lancaster London Hotel on 14 April 2011.

Ted Wake, AITO Agents’ Deputy Chairman, says: “It’s great to see so many of our members listed as finalists in these awards, recognising their hard work and success. A special well done to Travel Designers, who have had a great start to the year – they’re in the running for three Agent Achievement Awards, continuing on from their recent success as number one agent in our AITO All Stars national league table for January 2011.”

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (http://www.aitoagents.com/) represent over 120 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Stephanie Reed or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents announce Spring training event

2011-02-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents will hold a free product training session for its members at the prestigious Romanian Cultural Institute, London on Thursday 31 March, 2011.

The Spring training event will update AITO Agents on important developments across the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) partners – holidays typically offered by the agents.

It will also act as a useful refresher session, assisting AITO Agents to continue to expertly sell AITO product offerings - a collection of more than 140 specialist operators covering the world with an unrivalled selection of trips.

Oliver Broad, AITO Agents’ Chairman, says: “AITO Specialist Travel Agents pride themselves on quality, expertise and independence, with this vital training session helping to strengthen these values. It’s so important that AITO agents and operators continue to meet face-to-face, in order to be ‘on message’ with regards to the latest product offerings and to always ensure the greatest level of customer satisfaction.”

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (www.aitoagents.com) represent 130 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

Where is the Romanian Cultural Institute?...

Read our Authentic Holidays Telegraph Supplement online now...

2011-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the AITO Authentic Holidays Supplement yet? If not you can now read it online. A number of our AITO Specialist Travel Agents took part and you can see their contact details in the back of the issue.

This issue concentrates on holidays that offer an authentic experience for the traveler, to all parts of the globe.

To find your local AITO Agent to book your authentic holiday please visit www.aitoagents.com

AITO Agents All Stars - January results out now

2011-02-18T04:24:00.000-08:00

AITO Agents All Stars is a scheme that recognises the top selling AITO Agents across the UK. Each month agents and operators are sent the league tables and the January results have now been announced.

The scheme has also shown that sales from AITO Agents in January 2011 were 11% up on January 2010, click here to read more...

Congratulations to the following winners for January 2011:

National winner: Travel Designers, London

South of England winner: Travel Designers, London

Central England & the East winner: Robert Broad Travel, Lichfield

North of England winner: Deva Travel, Chester

If you are an AITO Specialist Travel Agent or an AITO tour operator please check your emails for the full list or if you have not received it please email aitoagents@aito.com

To find your local AITO Agent visit www.aitoagents.com

Great start to the year for AITO Agents with 11% rise in sales...

2011-02-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

AITO Agents being trained during their 2011 domestic conference in Warwickshire

AITO Specialist Travel Agents have reported an overall sales increase of 11% in January 2011 compared to same month last year via their AITO All Stars incentive scheme.

The survey of AITO Agents and 17 participating AITO tour operators showed an 11% rise in overall sales revenue for January 2011 in comparison to the results of the same survey for January 2010. This small sample of sales is an indication that the independent sector is picking up following an increased interest in unbiased advice from AITO Agents.

Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, said: “This news is a fantastic start to 2011, demonstrating the success of our AITO Agents and the All Star incentive scheme to not only work through difficult economic times but to further strengthen their businesses too. The sales increase may also be linked to increased customer demand for independent specialist travel agents and operators, preferred for many important reasons, including their in-depth knowledge and 100% financial protection that comes with all AITO holidays.”

The AITO All Stars incentive scheme rewards its agent members for booking AITO holidays. The scheme creates an ongoing league table of top booking agents and rewards them with monthly prizes and annual awards. This year, over 30 AITO tour operators are taking part in the incentive scheme.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents typically sell holidays offered by companies within the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), a collection of more than 140 specialist operators covering the world with an unrivalled selection of trips. The two have a closer working ties agreement, offering numerous benefits to the consumer including 100% financial protection, lowest prices possible and maintenance of high standards.

For more information please go to www.aitoagents.co.uk or call 020 8744 9271

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Stephanie Reed or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email s.reed@travelpr.co.uk.

2011 AITO Conference in Vilnius booking soon...

2011-02-14T07:46:00.001-08:00

Booking will open later this week for the 2011 AITO & AITO Agents overseas conference.

This will be the very first combined AITO Agents and AITO Operators overseas conference, celebrating 35 years of AITO and 15 years of AITO Specialist Travel Agents. This historic event is being hosted by the wonderful city of Vilnius, Lithuania.

The theme of the conference will be announced on Thursday at the AITO AGM and is sure to stir up discussion between operators and agents attending.

AITO Agents hold two conferences annually; a domestic event in January and an overseas one in June. This year, for the first time the AITO operators conference will take place at the same time as the Agents' event, allowing for a unique opportunity for like minded travel companies to network and discuss the latest topics relevant to all.

AITO Agents Chairman Oliver Broad comments "As more operators opt to deal with our AITO Agents it is very relevant that we bring these two events together. We appreciate that there are still some tour operators that have not discovered the benefits of dealing with agents and some topics are not necessarily relevant to both - and so there will be some separate sessions also."

"Conferences have become an integral part of the AITO Agents calendar, hence why we hold two every year. Last month saw the 10th AITO Agents domestic conference with over 160 delegates descending on Walton Hall in Warwickshire to discuss new ideas and look at ways they can work together with the AITO tour operators to develop their business."

Oliver adds "I firmly believe our AITO Agent members are at the forefront of what is going on in the independent sector of the industry and it is key to ensure we keep up with our training and networking opportunities. The diversity of our members is great, there is no one agent the same, and so our offering to the consumer I believe is unrivaled."

For further details and to enquire about membership for your agency contact AITO Agents office on 0208 744 9271 or email aitoagents@aito.com.

For more details on Lithuania click here

Are you an AITO Agent planning to attend the Vilnius conference in June? Join the Facebook event by clicking here.

TTG Luxury Seminar success

2011-02-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday 2nd February a number of our agent members attended the TTG Luxury Seminar at the Intercontinental Park Lane in London. Our Chairman, Oliver Broad presented later in the day and received a warm welcome from the trade.

Attendees ranged from travel agents, tour operators, tourist boards and other suppliers, representing a wide spectrum of the UK's luxury travel sector.

Further details of the seminar will be published in the next issue of TTG Luxury.

AITO Agents in Telegraph Supplement...

2011-02-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

This weekend saw a very special travel supplement in the Telegraph celebrating 'Authentic Holidays'. The supplement featured a range of wonderful holidays and detailed a selection of AITO Specialist Travel Agents with whom you can contact to book your next holiday.

Click on the image to view a larger version of the page....

Bright, bullish start to 2011 reported by AITO Agents

2011-01-19T03:35:00.001-08:00

A snap-shot survey of AITO Specialist Travel Agents has revealed 62% of respondents are very or extremely confident of a successful year to come.

The study also highlighted positive sales figures with 46% of members who took part saying they have experienced a good or extremely good start to 2011.

The findings of the survey, taken in the days before the 10th annual AITO Agents Domestic Conference (15-16 January), follow an appraisal last year which showed 89% of respondents reported more clients were booking with them in 2010. They back the association’s belief that consumers are coming back to the travel agent as they tire of DIY holidays and seek reassurance and financial peace of mind in the wake of events such as the ash cloud, BA strikes and the collapse of travel companies.

(pictured right: Gemma Antrobus, Managing Director of Haslemere Travel receiving an award from Zoe from Islands of Greece, recognising the agent as one of the top selling AITO Agents in the UK from last Saturday at the AITO Agents 10th Annual Domestic Conference).

This month’s study also affirmed the importance of independent status among AITO Agents. Some 60% of respondents identified their independence as an extremely important selling point, and more than 80% said membership of AITO Agents was very or extremely important to their business. These figures are released alongside AITO Agents’ rebranding which features a new logo that will become the group’s ‘kitemark’ to underline its key values of quality, expertise and independence.

“I firmly believe independent travel agents occupy, and will continue to occupy, a strong position in the marketplace as clients seek that all important personal service from well-travelled and highly trained experts,” comments Oliver Broad, AITO Agents’ Chairman (pictured above).

“Why spend hours on comparison and review websites when an agent, with their finger firmly of the travel pulse, can provide an informed and honest opinion in person? Our figures indicate that for many people, going back to the travel agent is now the right way to book their holidays. By AITO Agents sharing our skills, continuing to innovate and through closer co-operation with AITO operators, I’m confident 2011 will live up to expectations.”

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (www.aitoagents.com) represent 130 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

AITO Agents 2011 new brand video

2011-01-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

This video was shown at last weekend's AITO Agents 10th Domestic Conference in Warwickshire. It shows the transition the organisation has made from old to new, with the various awards, press coverage and projects members have been receiving and taking part in over the last 6 months. It also introduces the new AITO Agents brand to the members.

Let us know what you think!

AITO Agents and AITO announce new combined conference for anniversary

2011-01-17T07:59:00.001-08:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents and AITO operators will be combining their Overseas Conferences together for the first time this year, to be held in the emerging destination of Vilnius, Lithuania.

The ground-breaking move marks the 15th anniversary of AITO Agents, 35 years of AITO and is set to offer multiple benefits for each association and their members.

Some 70% of AITO operators now sell through AITO Agents - an all-time high - and the combined event aims to foster even greater links in the spirit of the Closer Ties scheme.

Sponsored by the Lithuanian National Tourism Office and taking place 16-19 June 2011, the conference will include insightful speakers and joint business sessions of interest to all delegates, along with sessions of specific interest to either agents or operators. The new format offers plenty of opportunities for agent-operator networking which it is hoped will lead to more direct-sell operators learning about the opportunities and benefits of working with the UK’s leading agents.

Oliver Broad, AITO Agents’ Chairman, comments: “This combined conference is a real first and we’re expecting a record attendance. More AITO operators have been turning to AITO agents for support in recent years and the figures speak for themselves. More than two thirds of AITO operators now sell through our membership so it makes sense to bring agents and operators together to celebrate this anniversary conference. There are many topics of discussion that affect both associations and agents and operators will be able to draw upon each other’s support, share problems and experiences enabling them to strengthen their position, as we all still face challenging economic times.”

During the conference delegates will have the chance to explore the picturesque city of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital. Still a little-known but increasingly popular destination among UK travellers, it has a stunning array of Baroque and Gothic architecture and the extensive Old Town is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the city’s gems include the centuries-old Upper Castle on Gediminas Hill; the cathedral in the main square; St Anne’s Church, a Gothic masterpiece; and the Gates of Dawn, one of the most sacred places for Catholics in the world including the miraculous 17th century icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The city is this year easier to reach with the start of new flights with Wizz Air from Luton starting in April, and airBaltic from Gatwick starting in October.

For more information about Vilnius and Lithuania go to www.lithuaniatourism.co.uk.

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (www.aitoagents.com) represent 130 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends January 2011

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

Domestic Conference 2011 success!

2011-01-17T02:04:00.001-08:00

What a fantastic conference - a new venue for a triple celebration:

10th Annual Domestic Conference
15th Anniversary of AITO Agents
35th Anniversary of AITO

Pictures and reports will be online very soon, in the meantime check out the press coverage already dominating the front pages of the travel trade press websites...

TTG:

Aito agents confident about 2011

Independent agents not an "endangered species": Carrick

Vilnius chosen as venue for first joint Aito conference

Travel Weekly:

Independent Agents report strong start to the year

AITO Agents unveil 'kite-mark' logo to reassure consumers

Lithuanian capital to host joint AITO conference

Sunday Times Travel recommends AITO Agents

2011-01-10T08:42:00.002-08:00

Once again the benefits of booking through an AITO Agent are being reported in the press. This time in the Sunday Times Travel pages from this weekend. To view the article in full visit our Facebook page by clicking here

Countdown to Conference begins...

2011-01-10T05:15:00.001-08:00

The countdown to the 10th Annual AITO Agents Domestic Conference has begun!

'BACK TO THE TRAVEL AGENT'

2011 is the 15th anniversary of AITO Agents and we are thrilled to be kicking off 2011 with our 10th Annual Domestic Conference taking place at the Barceló Walton Hall & Hotel on 15th – 16th January 2011.

With over 90 agents and 60 operators booked, we have already sold out the event which is a great indication of support from AITO Agents, operators and affiliates.

The conference programme has been released and will feature the AITO All Stars Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the day begins bright and early with our business sessions featuring sessions on improving communications, the new AITO brand and we will also have a slot featuring guest speaker Richard Carrick. The Marketplace will take place after the business sessions and all operators and affiliates will have a designated table for agents to visit them and talk about their product and ways of working together in 2011.

On Saturday afternoon we have two training workshops including sales training: ‘Ensuring Effective Communication in your Business’ and an Ideas Forum (chaired by Kate Kenward, AITO Executive Director and Oliver Broad, AITO Agents Chairman), both of which are open to agents and operators. We are still accepting bookings for these so do get in touch to take part.

AITOversity Challenge Competition

The semi-finals and Grand Final of the AITOversity Challenge competition will be taking place on Saturday 15th January and the semi-finalists are teams from Carrick Travel, Haslemere Travel and Journeys a la Carte. Along with the coveted trophy, winners will pick up a prize including four places on an enticing fam trip to Tunisia and £600 worth of high street shopping vouchers courtesy of AITOversity Challenge’s headline sponsors, the Tunisian National Tourist Office. The online rounds of the competition were kindly sponsored by Online Travel Training.

If you have any questions regarding the conference or to book for the optional workshops on Saturday, please contact aitoagents@aito.com or call 020 8744 9271.

With thanks to our sponsors...

VAT rise wont stop Briton's Travelling

2011-01-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

Telegraph coverage from this weekend:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8245582/VAT-rise-will-not-stop-Britons-travelling.html

AITOversity Challenge’s final four are announced

2010-12-14T01:47:00.000-08:00

The hot-shot travel agents who will be battling it out in the semi-finals of AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ demanding AITOversity Challenge have been announced.

Four teams of four brainy agents from Carrick Travel, Warwickshire; Colchester Travel, Essex; Haslemere Travel, Surrey; and Journeys a la Carte, Staffordshire, will be taking the stage at AITO Agents’ Domestic Conference, Warwickshire, as they bid to reach the final and receive the kudos and bragging rights of being crowned the most knowledgeable agency. Along with the coveted trophy they’ll pick up a prize including four places on an enticing fam trip to Tunisia and £600 worth of high street shopping vouchers courtesy of AITOversity Challenge’s headline sponsors, the Tunisian National Tourist Office.

Both the semi-finals and the Grand Final will take place during the conference weekend, 15-16 January, at the Barcelo Walton Hall & Hotel, a new luxury venue to mark the 10^th Domestic Conference and 15 years of AITO Specialist Travel Agents.

Oliver Broad, AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, comments: “AITO Specialist Travel Agents have some of the sharpest travel brains in the business so we’re expecting the competition in the semi-finals and final to be fierce. Derek Moore, Chairman of the AITO operator group and with great wisdom in all things travel himself, will be taking on the quizmaster role of Jeremy Paxman and keeping the contestants in line. I wish all semi-finalists the best of luck.”

The semi-finalists have been announced following the first round, sponsored by Online Travel Training, in which team captains answered a range of tough travel questions online. In full, the teams competing in the semi-finals are:

Carrick Travel – Rosemary Shaw, Helen Sanders, John Hall, Sally Warwick

Colchester Travel – Lorna Tissier, Diane Price, Jane Wakerley, Frankie Khodaverdi

Haslemere Travel – Susie Atkinson, Terry Adams, Jackie McClean, Tina Ridgway

Journeys a la Carte – Claire Hunt, Victoria Inns, Melanie Sallis, Kay Stevens

Moncef Battikh, Head of Promotions for the Tunisian National Tourist Office in London comments: “We’re delighted to be supporting AITO Specialist Travel Agents in their quest to demonstrate their expertise and also hope to enhance their knowledge of Tunisia during the course of this competition, not least with a fantastic fam trip for the winners.”

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends - 13 December 2010

Press: For further information, please contact Rob Looker at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440, or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk

Richard Carrick to speak at AITO Agents’ Domestic Conference

2010-12-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

AITO Specialist Travel Agents has announced controversial speaker Richard Carrick will be taking the stage at its annual Domestic Conference in Warwickshire.

The former Hoseasons boss caused a stir at the AITO Overseas Conference in Brussels, in November, when he raised doubts over the value of agents to start-up companies. Carrick, who has put on the record his enormous respect for travel agents and has worked with agents for 35 years including taking responsibility for a multiple travel agent during his career, will be giving his insight to what the future holds for AITO Agents and what they must do to prosper.

“I’ve said recently that the cost of working with the trade would be high for start-up, specialist travel businesses, but travel agents remain an important part of the market place,” comments Carrick. “I’m delighted to speak to AITO Specialist Travel Agents, whose expertise I greatly admire, to expand upon my thoughts and outline how I see their future. Those agents that invest in specific elements of their businesses will survive and prosper; those that don’t, might survive, but we can’t take that for granted. I’d also like to talk about why some operators choose to work with agents and why some don’t and look forward to some constructive debate.”

Oliver Broad, AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, comments: “I’m in no doubt Richard will prove to be an incredibly valuable guest speaker at our January conference. His comments in Brussels may have ruffled some feathers among agents, but his extensive experience of working with travel agents means he has an expert perspective on how the land lies for travel agents in future. I’m confident AITO Agents are very well placed going forward, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Knowledge is power and we should listen to all viewpoints.”

The Domestic Conference, sponsored by the Spanish Tourist Office, takes place over the weekend of 15 and 16 January 2011. The conference will be held at a new venue, the luxurious Barcelo Walton Hall & Hotel, to mark its 10th anniversary and the 15th anniversary year of AITO Agents.

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (www.aitoagents.com) represent 130 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends - 7 December 2010

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

Picture of the week...

2010-12-02T15:43:00.001-08:00

Ted Wake, Deputy Chairman of AITO Agents and Sales Director of Kirker Holidays, with AITO Chairman Derek Moore and newly appointed AITO Agents Chairman Oliver Broad of Robert Broad Travel. Taken during the AITO Expo in October 2010.

Aito 2010: New logo launched as part of rebrand - www.travelweekly.co.uk

2010-11-23T03:02:00.000-08:00

Aito 2010: New logo launched as part of rebrand - www.travelweekly.co.uk

As we approach the 35th anniversary of AITO and the 15th Anniversary of AITO Agents a new brand is on the horizons and now you can have a sneak peak!

Aito to combine operators and agents conferences in 2011

2010-11-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Aito to combine operators and agents conferences in 2011
TTG Live

Aito Agents cracks down on rogue 'members'

2010-11-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

By Edward Robertson, Travel Weekly | Nov 18, 2010 11:25

Aito Specialist Travel Agents (STA) has launched a crack down on former members who are still using the branding for their own benefits without paying the fees.

AITO Agents chairman Oliver Broad said he decided upon the move following his election to the post in September after discovering an agent in the Midlands who was still displaying an Aito sticker in his shop window and handing out leaflets extolling the merits of being a member two years after he had quit the association.

While Broad is hoping that the case was a one-off, he is now asking agents to keep an eye on rivals who may be claiming to be Aito members and receiving commercial benefits as a result.

He said: “I’m keen to find out, I really hope there aren’t any agents out there doing this but there are some out there who see a value in being a member of Aito Agents and they need to pay their membership fees.

“I find it flattering as they obviously see value in our brand, however, it is totally unacceptable and must stop.

“I urge any AITO agents out there that are aware of non-member agents using the AITO agents logo to contact us immediately and we will approach the agents concerned.”

To further counter the problem, Broad said he will introduce year-dated stickers next year for agents to prove they are an up-to-date Aito Agents member.

Awards for AITO at the "Travel Oscars"

2010-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

AITO operators and AITO Specialist Travel Agents are celebrating their successes at a glitzy British Travel Awards ceremony in London.

Tribes Travel picked up the gong for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Small Tour Operator, while for the agents Haslemere Travel was highly recommended as Small Travel Retailer of the Year.

Chairman of AITO Agents, Oliver Broad comments 'This is an excellent achievement for our members to be recognised at such a prestigious and important awards ceremony. Our agents have had a very successful year so far, with Journey's A La Carte also being recognised in a a national awards ceremony for their high level of service. It is great to see that smaller, independent companies such as these can be rewarded for their hard work on such a mainstream scale".

Pictured: Andrew Brownrigg and Gemma Antrobus of Haslemere Travel, Sophie Reach from Classic Collection Holidays and AITO Specialist Travel Agent's Chairman and Director of Robert Broad Travel, Oliver Broad.

Here is a round-up of the other AITO operators which were recognised at the prestigious ‘travel Oscars’ event:

Classic Collection Holidays – Silver, Small Package Company of the Year; Silver, Best Tour Operator to Hellenic Europe; Bronze, Best Tour Operator to the Italian Peninsula and Malta

Eurocamp – Silver, Best Camping & Mobile Operator

Journey Latin America – Bronze, Best Tour Operator to Central and Southern America

Keycamp Holidays – Silver, Best Tour Operator to France

Nomadic Thoughts – Silver, Best Tour Operator to Sub Sahara Africa; Bronze, Environmentally and Socially Responsible Small Tour Operator

TransIndus – Silver, Best Tour Operator to Southern Asia

Wendy Wu Tours – Silver, Best Tour Operator to East and Central Asia; Bronze, Best Tour Operator to Southern Asia; Bronze, Best Tour Operator to South East Asia

In attendance at the AITO-sponsored table were Derek Moore, Chairman, AITO; Oliver Broad, Chairman, AITO Specialist Travel Agents; Ted Wake, Deputy Chairman, AITO specialist Travel Agents; Kate Kenward, Executive Director, AITO; Gemma Antrobus, Haslemere Travel and AITO Specialist Travel Agents panel member, Sophie Reach, Classic Collection Holidays; Amrit Singh, Trans Indus; Amanda Marks, Tribes.

AITO EXPO 2010 - picture of the day...

2010-11-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

Nicky Shaffe, Marketing Manager of Prestige Holidays with AITO Specialist Travel Agents Chairman, Oliver Broad at this years AITO EXPO.

Seasons launch ski programme at AITO Agents training event

2010-11-02T01:31:00.000-07:00

Sian Jungreuthmayer attended the AITO Agents product training event this Autumn in London to launch the new Seasons Ski brochure.

Agents bag bookings during AITO Holiday Inspirations Week

2010-10-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Early feedback has shown AITO Holiday Inspirations Week to be a big hit with AITO Specialist Travel Agents and marks a boost for the independent retail sector.

Responses to a snap-shot survey recorded confirmed bookings totalling more than £200,000 between them and one agency alone, Global Travel Lounge, took bookings worth £85,000 from its three branches in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Wymondham.

The week, which ran from 2 to 9 October, highlighted the huge diversity of quality holidays available through AITO tour operators and sold with the expertise of AITO Agents. Agents took part in a wide range of creative activities which displayed the value of face-to-face independent travel advice on the high street. These included travel-talking luncheon and breakfast clubs, designated window displays and local media campaigns, along with the likes of a wedding fayre, a photographic competition and coffee and cupcake mornings.

(pictured: Gemma Antrobus from Haslemere Travel with Jocelyn from Inside Japan Tours - Click here for more pictures from agents events across the UK on the AITO Agents facebook page)

Good causes benefitted too. Spa Travel, Yorks, held a holiday show with 24 operators at the end of the week. It was attended by more than 200 clients and managed to raise £800 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a local village hall restoration fund.

Oliver Broad, AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, comments: “Agents are really seeing the benefits of engaging with their customers through AITO Holiday Inspiration Week events and I’m delighted with the response we’ve had from our members. Enquiries are still being followed up and survey responses still coming in but we’ve seen a great level of interest, and it’s encouraging to see this has been converted in to plenty of bookings already. More agents have had a better AITO Week than last year with one even saying business was up 110%.”

AITO Holiday Inspirations Week has demonstrated practical examples of how the AITO Specialist Travel Agents organisation is looking to help and support its members under the leadership of recently appointed chairman Broad. New marketing support was offered in the form of tactical posters promoting exciting and interesting destinations, such as skiing in Japan, to help AITO Agents stand out on the high street and underline their invaluable status as independent agents. This was supported by a tie-in with the Tunisian Tourist Board in the form of training information – a first for the organisation.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

For more pictures from AITO Holiday Inspirations Week click here

Ends - 12 October 2010

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

AITO Agents anticipate stronger position in retail market place following merger of Thomas Cook and Co-op

2010-10-08T09:03:00.001-07:00

Oliver Broad, AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, comments: “I believe that AITO Specialist Travel Agents have been given a great opportunity here to attract new customers who are seeking choice and expert advice, above all. People may not be able to rely any longer on independent advice from their local Co-op holiday shop but will be able to from an AITO Agent. No other group offers their consumers such a large number of specialist, independent tour operators, typically within the Association of Independent Tour Operators, with such eclectic and appealing products as us. Our agents can draw upon a huge range of quality holidays which cater for all tastes and budgets.

“Our own research shows 89% of AITO Agents agree that consumers are returning to the high street due to disruptive events affecting the travel industry such as the ash cloud and strikes. That high street is now less independent and consumer choice is being ruled by two major players. We need to spread the message to consumers that there is another option; that AITO Agents is the alternative to ensure they receive unbiased advice when choosing their holiday.”

Broad adds: “And then there is the issue of support for the independent tour operators. It is hard to stand by and watch the big boys monopolise flight routes and here we need to educate our agents and consumers on the alternatives to ensure our independent suppliers are supported wherever possible. It is frustrating when you have to sell one of the big player’s holidays but sometimes we simply have no choice. This does concern me for the future and it will be interesting to see what happens. In the meantime we have a unique offering at AITO Agents and I hope our members and clients recognise this, and make the most of what I see as an opportunity for us to shine.”

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit http://www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends - 8 October 2010

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

AITO Agents see increase in bookings as consumers seek to avoid travel pitfalls

2010-10-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

The following information was announced at yesterday's AITO Expo event where our Chairman Oliver Broad represented AITO Agents, spreading the word amongst the UK's travel press, and later in the evening with over 300 members of the public...

-----------------------------------------

More consumers are booking with AITO Specialist Travel Agents this year as a result of recent crises in the travel industry, a survey of members within the 130-strong independent group has revealed.

Initial feedback has shown 89% of respondents reported more clients are booking with an AITO Specialist Travel Agent due to events such as the ash cloud, BA strikes and the high profile collapse of several holiday companies in 2010. Clients are opting to buy holidays through AITO Specialist Travel Agents due to the financial protection they come with, the survey highlighted.

Oliver Broad, AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ Chairman, comments: “2010, particularly the first half, has been a challenging time for the travel industry, both for travel companies and consumers. Members tell me that people booking DIY holidays have been badly caught out by the ash cloud disruption and airline strikes leaving them out of pocket, chasing compensation and with the inconvenience of trying to rearrange their travel plans at the last minute.

“I’m a realist and while the internet-based model of dynamically packaging is not over, travellers are more aware of the pitfalls and the lack of financial protection it provides.”

The collapse of travel companies such as Goldtrail and Sun4U are other headline-grabbing events that have made consumers sit up and think about booking a holiday with full financial protection. By typically offering holidays from AITO members, and other well-protected tour operators, AITO Specialist Travel Agents are helping to meet this demand.

All 140 tour operator members of AITO offer holidays with 100 per cent financial protection.

After financial protection, the survey showed the opportunity to receive expert advice and the time saving to be gained from booking through an agent instead of trawling through the internet were the top reasons why more clients have been arranging holidays with AITO Specialist Travel Agents this year.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends 6 October 2010

Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

Financial protection boosts Aito agents' business - www.travelweekly.co.uk

2010-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Financial protection boosts Aito agents' business - www.travelweekly.co.uk

AITO Agents prepare for "Holiday Inspirations Week"

2010-09-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

There are just a few days away now to our national campaign - AITO Holiday Inspirations Week (2nd - 9th October 2010)

AITO Agent members are busy working away, making last minute preparations for their events across the UK. We will be updating the blog with details and pictures as the week commences.

Look out this Saturday for the special AITO supplement in The Telegraph. This is full of wonderful inspirational ideas for your next holiday, as well as details of some of the AITO agents supporting the campaign.

For more details visit www.aitoagents.com

Ex-Chairman Barry Moxley wishes Oliver best of luck in new role

2010-09-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

AITO Agents held their first of two Autumn product training evening this week, the first of which was held in Kensington, London at the Copthorne Tara Hotel. 20 AITO operators were on hand to update the group of AITO Agents from all over the south.

Also in attendance with some of his team from Traveltime was ex-AITO Agents Chairman, Barry Moxley who is pictured here congratulating the new Chairman, Oliver Broad of Robert Broad Travel.

A fantastic night was had by all as the agents were kept up to date on all the new exciting developments at their AITO partners including new brochures, destinations and products - plenty of new and interesting ideas for agents to promote to their clients.

The next event will take place in the Midlands on Monday 27th September 2010. To register your attendance contact Evelyn at aitoagents@aito.com.

To view pictures from the night, click here to visit AITO Agents' Facebook page

Oliver Broad crowned AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ new chairman

2010-09-16T02:27:00.001-07:00

As announced on Twitter this afternoon...

Youthful new leader joined by Ted Wake of Kirker Holidays to oversee renaissance of travel agents

AITO Specialist Travel Agents has announced the appointment of Oliver Broad of Robert Broad Travel, Lichfield, as its new chairman to steer the organisation into a fresh era.

Oliver is supported by Ted Wake of Kirker Holidays as his Deputy in the creation of a new supporting role. Together they will guide the group of 130 independent companies through a renaissance for travel agents which is seeing consumers returning to the High Street to buy their holidays at the expense of DIY internet bookings.

Oliver brings a dynamic edge to the role of chairman with a wealth of experience not just in agency sales and management but also social networking. He has over ten years’ experience in the family travel agency business, Robert Broad Travel, and has spent two years on the AITO Agents panel. One of its leading lights, he has helped developed new initiatives including AITOversity, AITO Agents All Stars and AITO Holiday Inspiration Week (2 – 9 October 2010). Oliver’s knowledge of online and new media combined with his infectious enthusiasm for the industry will help usher AITO Agents through the next decade as the panel focuses on further new initiatives. He and the panel, comprising five agents and four AITO operators, will ensure the organisation becomes the leading group of independent agents and the very first source of expert advice for Britain’s discerning travellers.

“AITO Agents is not a consortium and we don’t and won’t tell our members how to run their businesses,” comments Oliver. “With the support of 100 niche AITO tour operators who are committed to selling through AITO Agents, we will produce the training, marketing support and unique networking opportunities they require to help them stand out in a challenging trading environment.

“There is no doubt that the consumer is becoming more sophisticated and now needs expert personal advice more than ever before. As clients begin to suffer from ‘internet booking fatigue’ and move away from cheap ‘sausage factory’ holidays, AITO products are a refreshing alternative and the perfect tool to ensure that AITO Specialist Agents continue to stay ahead of the market. No other group of travel agents has such a diverse and specialist product range to offer to their clients. For those who seek a quality holiday experience away from the crowds, the expert advice and unique products available from AITO Specialist Travel Agents are exactly what they need.”

Never before have so many AITO operators sold through AITO Agents - more than 70% of AITO operators now do so. The creation of the new Deputy Chairman role, to which Ted Wake brings valuable experience and know-how from an operator’s perspective, reflects the growing co-operation between the two sides and the success of the Closer Ties scheme.

New members joining the AITO Agents panel have created a younger team full of ideas. The panel welcomes Tony Byrne from Great Rail Journeys and Peter Buckell from Global Travel Lounge. Other travel agent panel members include: Gemma Antrobus – Haslemere Travel, Paul Bennett – Colchester Travel, Stephanie Jones of operator Anatolian Sky, and Chris Edwards of operator ITC/Complete Caribbean.

With plenty of experts in the travel industry, who should you trust to give an honest insight into the current market? AITO Specialist Travel Agents (http://www.aitoagents.com) represent 130 of the leading independent travel agencies in the UK – all fully independent, and all in the front line of the travel industry.

For more information on the 130 AITO Specialist Travel Agents, their specialities and their locations, visit http://www.aitoagents.com or call 020 8744 9271.

Ends
16 September 2010
Press: For more information on AITO Specialist Travel Agents, please call Rob Looker or Ian Bradley on 020 8891 4440 or email r.looker@travelpr.co.uk.

Record number of AITO Operators selling through AITO Agents

2010-09-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Now really is the time for AITO Agents to shine! With over 70% of AITO holiday companies selling through their preferred retail arm, AITO Agents have more products available to sell to their clients than ever before!

Whether clients are looking for a week on the beach or a train journey through the Alps, AITO Agents can offer independent advice, backed by all important financial security.

Autumn training events just around the corner

2010-09-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

AITO Agents will be traveling to London on 20th September and to the Midlands on 27th September to keep updated on the latest developments in the world of travel. A wide number of AITO operators will be attending to train the agents so that their clients can take advantage of their excellent levels of service and product knowledge.

This is just one of the many ways in which AITO Agents can improve their experience. Other events are planned throughout the year...