The Spear Travels Group is rejoining Aito after an absence of five years following the backing the organisation has given to members during the pandemic.
The agreement covers 12 branches under the Spear Travels and Broads Travel brands plus homeworkers.
Group managing director Peter Cookson said: “We originally joined as members of CARTA [Campaign for Real Travel Agents] in the late 1990s and were with Aito after that right until about five years ago.
“We are delighted to bring our 12 branches and our homeworkers back into the Aito family again and we look forward to seeing, and working with, many of our industry friends and colleagues.
“Part of the reason for us re-joining is we heard about the great work and support that Aito had provided its members over the past two years.”
The specialist travel association’s executive director Martyn Sumners said: “We have worked hard during the pandemic to support all members of the association and now we hope to start reaping the rewards by further expansion.”
Aito’s travel insights survey has shown that travellers are now more likely than before to book through a travel agent or tour operator as they acknowledge the high levels of expertise and customer service both provide.
“It’s also a sign of the times that some consumers have had their fingers burnt booking on their own and now want that reassurance that only a travel agent and tour operator can bring,” Sumners added.
Aito Agents chair Gemma Antrobus (Haslemere Travel) said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Peter, Libby, Julie and the Spear Travels teams re-join the AITO family.
“We have missed their engagement, fantastic industry knowledge and friendship and we all look forward to seeing them at our next face to face agent event, KickStart, on March 3.”