The Association of Independent Tour Operators is a British based travel trade organisation

Industry trade group

A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...

 that represents around 150 specialist and independent tour operator

Tour operator

A tour operator typically combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. The most common example of a tour operator's product would be a flight on a charter airline plus a transfer from the airport to a hotel and the services of a local representative, all for one price. Niche tour...

s. The organisation is typically composed of outbound tour operators but recently allowed domestic tour operators to join. Members operate to over 140 countries with activities spanning a range of interests including adventure, city break, culture, fly drive, luxury, safari

Safari

A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the term is used for a big-game hunt, but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purposes of hunting, but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife.-Etymology:Entering the English...

s and sports. AITO was established in 1976 and its headquarters are based in Twickenham

Twickenham

Twickenham is a large suburban town southwest of central London. It is the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and one of the locally important district centres identified in the London Plan...

, south-west London.

External links

• finding-a-bargain-family-holiday-online katy-holland - independent.co.uk
• Best websites for holiday inspiration - timesonline.co.uk
• AITO-revamps-financial-protection-for-holidaymakers - telegraph.co.uk
• AITO-adopts-new-green-travel-ratings - telegraph.co.uk