While the large chains continually claim to be the number one travel agent in the UK  they use only the one criteria - volume. When it comes to value for money, quality of product, original thinking, innovative ideas and customer satisfaction, they are well down the list.

Mass market tour operators cannot hope to provide the same expertise and local knowledge as a small specialist, which is why the smaller companies always top the list in the major Travel Awards. The quality of product and unique experience ensure a high level of repeat business for specialist operators.

If you already have a special interest or are keen to learn something new, then a holiday is the ideal time to give it your full attention, from gentle and relaxing to action packed, AITO Specialist Travel Agents members can find just the right holiday for you, at  the right price.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents was formed to promote choice and quality and is the preferred retail arm of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Members are totally independent of all the major UK travel groups and offer a range of specialist products not generally available through the large High Street travel agency chains.

AITO AGENTS PANEL

The AITO Agents Panel is a dedicated group of agents and operators consisting of 5 Travel Agent and 4 Tour Operator representatives. As of July 2011, the Panel is made up as follows:

TRAVEL AGENTS

Oliver Broad (Chairman) 
RB Collection
Oliver@robertbroadtravel.co.uk

Gemma Antrobus
Haslemere Travel
gemma@haslemeretravel.co.uk

Paul Bennett
Colchester Travel
paul.bennett@coltrav.com

Tracey Carter
Carrick Travel
traceycarter@carricktravel.com

Claire Hunt
Journeys a la Carte
travel@journeysalacarte.co.uk

TOUR OPERATORS

Ted Wake (Deputy Chairman)
Kirker Holidays
ted.wake@kirkerholidays.com

Chris Edwards
International Travel Connections
chrisedwards@itc-uk.com

Stephanie Robins
Anatolian Sky
stephanie@anatolian-sky.co.uk

Sarah Archer
Beachcomber Tours
SArcher@bctuk.com