THE independent sector is set to split after talks to unite operators and agents ended in stalemate.
The Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation and the Association of Independent Tour Operators have decided to go their own way after failing to reach an agreement over a joint venture.
TIPTO founder and Cadogan Holidays managing director Gary David said AITO wanted its members to have an automatic right to be part of the new group and that only AITO operators should be allowed to join.
“It is a non-starter as many of the companies that have expressed an interest are not members of the association. A key element of the new group is that it consists of non-competing companies. Many AITO members are in direct competition so if they want to join it would destroy one of TIPTO’s basic concepts.”
He stressed the decision was reached “amicably”.
AITO deputy chairman and Osprey Holidays managing director John Bennett said the association would have to exclude some AITO members in favour of others if it worked with TIPTO.
“This is completely against the ethos of the association,” he said.
Bennett added AITO would now look at strengthening the link between independent operators and agents.