Two new business affiliates have agreed partnerships with the Association of Independent Tour Operators
Business growth, mergers and acquisitions advisory, Summit Advisory, and marketing automation platform, Force24, are new business affiliates.
Summit Advisory is the business growth, mergers and acquisitions arm of travel accountants, Elman Wall.
Co-founding director, Deborah Potts, said: “Niche specialist tour operators with clear customer value propositions have never been more in demand.
“We are experiencing strong interest, particularly from overseas travel companies, in addition to UK travel businesses, backed by private equity. Aito tour operators and agencies match many of their criteria.
“If owners do not want to sell, but seek to improve their profits and overcome barriers to growth, we know we can, equally, help them, as many of our previous clients have testified.”
Force24 commercial director, Nick Washbourne, said: “Aito exists to ensure the highest levels of consumer trust and holiday satisfaction, and membership brings us one step closer to the tour operators and travel specialists who prioritise such standards.
“We have our own codes of conduct and marketing standards, which sees us boast a highly qualified team of specialists in their own field.
“But, with an established reputation in the travel sector, we think it’s important to demonstrate our industry-specific knowledge and expertise here too. There’s no better way to do this than with membership of a professional body that promotes best practice and brings like-minded people together to collaborate.”
Aito executive director, Kate Kenward, said: “We are delighted to welcome two important business affiliates to the Aito group, both coming with a great understanding of the travel industry and the experience required to support our travel specialist members in the areas of technology platforms and business growth.”