NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


‘As relevant now as ever’ A


Aito, The Specialist Travel Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Juliet Dennis reports IN MY VIEW


ito, The Specialist Travel Association is as relevant today as it was when founded 50 years ago,


according to its executive director. Martyn Sumners said many of the


issues the association faced when it launched were still around today. “Some of the issues then and


now are no different: bonding confusion, Atol bonding regulation, Atol Protection Contribution,” he said, adding: “Regulation is managed by two different bodies: the Civil Aviation Authority [CAA] and Department for Business and Trade. There needs to be joined-up thinking – one set of regulations.” Aito, formerly the Association


of Independent Tour Operators, launched in 1976 following Court Line’s collapse and the introduction of Atol bonding to achieve a


1976 First official Aito meeting takes place in London hotel


‘realistic and fair level of bonding’ to ‘discourage reckless trading and avoid the risk of a drain on the Air Travel Reserve fund by unscrupulous or incompetent tour operators’. Within a year, its negotiations with


the CAA had resulted in a reduction in the minimum level of bonding from 15% to 10% for non-Abta members. Membership rose to 20 after two


months, to 50 by the end of 1976 and to about 160 at its peak. It currently has just over 100 members. Aito has 32 members that have


AITO’S FIRST HALF-CENTURY


1980 Atol-less operators allowed to join 1982 Association membership introduced


1990 Aito trust formed 1995 Aito 100 Club renamed Carta 1997 New Aito logo and first website 2001 First major marketing campaign 2001 New logo adds dot on ‘i’ of Aito 2003 Membership restructured, introducing ‘invited’ members


2004 Carta renamed Aito Specialist Agents


14 12 MARCH 2026


2008 Launch of 100% financial protection campaign


2011


2009 Aito All Stars incentive scheme introduced


2013 Aito Trust closed; aito.com launched


First Aito/Aito Agents joint overseas conference; Aito’s 100% financial protection guarantee suspended


2024 Granted Approved Body status by Dept for Business and Trade


2025 Aito Financial Protection Services launched


been with the association for at least 20 years. The oldest member Sunvil, which joined in 1976, left last year, leaving Serenity Holidays as the longest-serving member, at 38 years. New members include Premier Holidays and Tasmanian Odyssey. Former Aito chair Martin


Garland, owner-director of Expressions Holidays, a member for 34 years, reflected: “There has been a change in the profile of members from more-generalist mid-sized companies to more-specialist SMEs, and if anything, the product is more sophisticated and interesting.” He cited Aito’s value as a “sounding


board” and lobbying association. For Sumners, one of Aito’s biggest


achievements was helping members through Covid, while a recent success was the launch of Aito Financial Protection Services (AFPS) in 2025. Highlighting rising business


rates, operators as ‘the insurers of last resort’ and the lack of a different government approach for SMEs, he said: “Aito is probably even more relevant now than when it was set up.” Priorities now include reaching


150 operators by 2028 and delivering new member services under AFPS. Sumners said Aito, which also


represents agents through its Aito Specialist Travel Agents arm, will continue to modernise. “Even a couple of years ago, it was described as a bit of an old boys’ club,” he said. “We’re working hard to change that.”


“Aito represents trust, collaboration and a long-term commitment to better tourism.”


Eleni Skarveli, director, GNTO UK and Ireland


“As an insurance broker, Aito provides confidence that members operate


responsibly and protect clients properly.” Vito Sepe, client director – hospitality and travel, James Hallam Insurance Brokers


“To me, Aito means collaborations and closer working ties between independent tour


operators and its Aito agents.” Shubhra Halliday, sales director, Anzcro


“Aito embodies the best of specialist travel. For Aito Specialist Travel Agents, it offers


both advocacy and community.” Gemma Antrobus, chair, Aito Agents


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Charlie Best Photogrpahy


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