to become a decision maker at AITO. Nine candidates have put their name forward for the five vacant places on the eight-strong council.
Executive manager Julia Hendry said:”It is a healthy sign and shows there is an increasing level of interest in AITO.
“We have never seen such a rash of acquisitions and mergers, all of which have had an impact on AITO, and this has led to members wanting to get involved.”
Even direct-sell operators have been affected by the changes as the major operators look to bypass agents, added Hendry.
The candidates are Mike Bruce-Mitford from VFB Holidays, current chairman Paul Chandler from Travel Club of Upminster, Gary David from Cadogan Holidays, Andrew Erskine from Select Site Reservations, Richard Hearn from Inntravel, Alyson Playford from Citalia, Neil Taylor from Regent Holidays, Colin Trigger from Scantours and Richard Wimms from Florida/New England Vacations.
Candidates will be elected via proportional representation.
The new members will join deputy chairman John Bennett from Osprey Holidays, Jane Shepherd from Meon Travel and Nick Morgan from Le Ski who have another year to serve on the council.
The results will be announced as AITO’s annual general meeting on June 30.
Meanwhile, AITO has organised two training sessions for members.
The first on July 6 will focus on effective telephone skills covering switch selling, closing sales and marketing the right holiday to the right customer.
It will be followed by a half-day seminar on July 13 on crisis management.
An expert panel will explain how a company should react to an unexpected crisis.
Domination of the industry by the major tour operators is leading to a fierce election contest to join the council of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
Industry observers believe the apparent threat to the independent sector – created by the consolidation of the market – is leading to growing interest to become a decision maker at AITO. Nine candidates have put their name forward for the five vacant places on the eight-strong council.
Executive manager Julia Hendry said:”It is a healthy sign and shows there is an increasing level of interest in AITO.
“We have never seen such a rash of acquisitions and mergers, all of which have had an impact on AITO, and this has led to members wanting to get involved.”
Even direct-sell operators have been affected by the changes as the major operators look to bypass agents, added Hendry.
The candidates are Mike Bruce-Mitford from VFB Holidays, current chairman Paul Chandler from Travel Club of Upminster, Gary David from Cadogan Holidays, Andrew Erskine from Select Site Reservations, Richard Hearn from Inntravel, Alyson Playford from Citalia, Neil Taylor from Regent Holidays, Colin Trigger from Scantours and Richard Wimms from Florida/New England Vacations.
Candidates will be elected via proportional representation.
The new members will join deputy chairman John Bennett from Osprey Holidays, Jane Shepherd from Meon Travel and Nick Morgan from Le Ski who have another year to serve on the council.
The results will be announced as AITO’s annual general meeting on June 30.
Meanwhile, AITO has organised two training sessions for members.
The first on July 6 will focus on effective telephone skills covering switch selling, closing sales and marketing the right holiday to the right customer.
It will be followed by a half-day seminar on July 13 on crisis management.
An expert panel will explain how a company should react to an unexpected crisis.