Aito confirms heads of industry affairs and membership to depart

The Specialist Travel Association (Aito) has confirmed its head of industry affairs and head of membership are set to depart in the coming weeks.

Christina Brazier and Emma Taylor are leaving the association after more than two years to pursue new career opportunities.

In response to the departures, Aito has announced it will launch a recruitment drive to bring in three new team members to support its next phase of growth.

Brazier, who previously worked for the TTC Group and the Civil Aviation Authority, was instrumental in the launch of Aito’s Financial Protection Scheme.

Aito Financial Protection Services (AFPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aito, covers non-licensable packages – such as non-flight packages – as well as single components including accommodation-only.

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Reflecting on her departure, Brazier said: “It’s been a real privilege working with Aito members over the last two years. The passion, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit behind each business are genuinely inspiring.

“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in launching Aito’s Financial Protection Scheme, a significant milestone for the association, and the time now feels right for me to explore new opportunities.”

Taylor, who has worked in the travel industry for more than 28 years and is well known among travel agents and tour operators, previously worked for Protected Trust Services (PTS) before joining Aito. During her tenure, she has overseen the addition of more than 40 new tour operators, travel agents and business partners to the association.

Taylor said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most passionate and dedicated specialist tour operators in the industry during my time at Aito. I am grateful for the relationships, experiences and opportunities that have come with being part of such a valued organisation.

“As I take the next step in my career and move into a new role, I would like to thank the Aito team, members and partners for their support and collaboration.”

Martyn Sumners, executive director of Aito, thanked the pair for their dedication, noting they had been “a huge part of what Aito has achieved over the past two years”.

Sumners said: “Christina brought regulatory and operational expertise to the team and was instrumental in launching the Aito Financial Protection Scheme, one of the most significant developments in the organisation’s recent history.

“Emma played a central role in growing the Aito membership... Their dedication to our members has made a real difference, and while they will be greatly missed, we wish them every success in what comes next.”

He added: “As Aito continues to strengthen its support for members and expand its services across the specialist travel sector, we will be recruiting three new team members to further enhance the support and expertise available to our members.

“We’re really excited about recruiting to support the next phase of Aito’s growth and remain focused on supporting independent travel businesses and driving the specialist travel sector forward.”