AITO Specialist Travel Agents have reported an overall sales increase of 11% in January 2011 compared with the 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 with 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 increased interest in unbiased advice from AITO Agents.

Oliver Broad, Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, says: “This news is a fantastic start to 2011, demonstrating the success of AITO Agents and the All Stars incentive scheme, both in terms of working through difficult economic times and also strengthening their businesses. The sales increase may also be linked to increased customer demand for independent specialist travel agents and operators, which are preferred for many important reasons, including their in-depth knowledge and the 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 involves an ongoing league table of top booking agents and rewards them with monthly prizes and annual awards. Demonstrating the success of the scheme, over 30 AITO tour operators have signed up for the incentive scheme in 2011.

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 organisations have a closer working ties agreement, offering numerous benefits to the consumer including 100% financial protection, lowest prices possible and maintenance of high standards.