AITO

AITO – Association of Independent Tour Operators

First Class Holidays is a proud member of AITO - the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. 

Professionalism, Quality & Personal Service
Member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.


Exclusive Membership
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.


Financial Security
An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK Government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis.


Accurate Brochures and Websites
All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.


Professional Service and Continual Improvements
All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.


Monitoring Standards
AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire from their tour operator, the results of which are scrutinised by the Association. In addition, customers can leave detailed feedback, accessible here, or via a direct link supplied by their AITO tour operator, about their holiday.


Sustainable Tourism
All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 to 5 star status.


Customer Relations
All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.

Why book with an AITO Agent?

  • We understand our clients and will find you the right holiday
  • We go ‘beyond Google’
  • We use our knowledge, experience and expertise to recommend what is best for your needs
  • We are reactive and suggest alternatives
  • We are independent and honest
  • We are open about prices and charges
  • We provide reassurance, your money is safer with us
  • We provide personal service in a self-service world
  • We are happy to be of service, expect a friendly welcome
  • We care passionately about your satisfaction – before, during and after your holiday, and look forward to your feedback.

Testimonials

Our Awards

We are very proud that our personal, friendly service and attention to detail has led to us becoming an industry leader in providing tailor-made holidays. We have been recognised throughout the years by winning a number of prestigious awards from within and outside of the travel industry. We won the "Best Operator to Canada" award at the 2017 British Annual Canada Travel Awards for a record 15th time.

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