THE Association of Independent Tour Operators has drawn up eight definitive rules which will bring the saga over its membership criteria to a close.
The move follows a year-long review of the association’s membership rules, which chairman Paul Chandler argued were too arbitrary and hindered the growth of AITO.
The new rules are expected to be ratified by AITOcouncil this week. “We are still focusing on independence, integrity and quality, but we now have simple rules which leaves no doubt over who can and cannot join,” said Chandler.
“Previously, it was still a little vague. I expect members to fully support this.”
Chandler declined to reveal full details of the eight rules until they were confirmed by council, but subsidiaries of major companies will effectively be barred.
Eligible operators must have separate accounts from the parent and prove they receive no benefit from buying charter seats or from distribution – an impossible task for many.
“Contrary to what people thought, this was never intended to allow subsidiaries of vertically integrated companies into the association,” he added.