Aito News

AITO critical of government comments on summer holidays
The Association of Specialist Travel Companies has criticised the UK government for discouraging the booking of international holidays this summer as the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps Europe.

Oasis Overland ceases trading in UK
The company specialised in small group expeditions by truck across Africa and other key overland destinations worldwide such as South America and Central Asia.

Save Future Travel Coalition pins hopes on reopening roadmap
The Save Future Travel Coalition has reiterated its hopes for a speech from Boris Johnson. The prime minister is expected to provide details on how the country is to reopen following Covid-19 shutdown.

Furious reaction as Brits urged not to book holidays
Sue Ockwell, leader of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, lead criticism of suggestions Brits should avoid booking trips, branding the comments “puerile and nonsensical”.

Tucan Travel ceases trading in UK
The company operated group itineraries in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe as well as a tailor-made department, offering bespoke tours in Latin America and Asia.

Cities Direct closes in wake of Covid-19 slowdown
The news was announced earlier by Martyn Sumners, executive director of AITO, following consultations with managing director, Jace Quick.

AITO calls for relief from package travel regulations
AITO has called on the government to offer support to the hundreds of small- and medium-sized tour operators severely impacted by the outbreak of coronavirus.

RAKTDA signs sustainability partnership with AITO
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has announced a partnership with the Association of Independent Tour Operators, on Protect, an initiative carried out in partnership with the University of Surrey.

Ras al Khaimah to host AITO 2018 conference
The Association of Independent Tour Operators has announced that it will be heading to the Ras al Khaimah for its annual conference, to be held from November 22nd-25th.

AITO agents welcomes two new members
Founded in 1998, Roger Walker Travel offers an extensive range of holidays around the world alongside its own ski tour operating business. The independent agent prides itself on providing personal customer service, including hand-delivering travel documents and helping clients with online check-in.

AITO welcomes European Court of Justice ruling
A recent European Court of Justice ruling has confirmed that the obligation under the 1990 EU Package Travel Directive to provide the consumer with financial protection against the risk of the organiser’s insolvency amounts to a guarantee that the consumer will be refunded or repatriated in this situation.

AITO: First Choice move is a “massive blow” to sustainability
The recent announcement by First Choice to adopt an all-inclusive business model is a blow to local economies and a slap in the face to Sustainable Tourism claims Association of Independent Tour Operators.