Trekking Hiking and
Walking Holidays
AITO Quality Charter
AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our
member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays
with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal
service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour
operating.
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality, which must be satisfied
before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to
adhere to a Code of Business Practice, which encourages high operational standards
and conduct.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
AITO members are required to protect money paid by customers to the member for
any holiday sold under the AITO logo and to comply with UK Government Regulations
in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements
to the Association on a regular basis.
ACCURATE BROCHURES AND WEBSITES
All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications,
print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS
All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and
thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve
their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for
improving standards.
MONITORING STANDARDS
AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive
a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
All members acknowledge the importance of AITO's Responsible Tourism guidelines,
which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour
operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance
of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 or 3 star status. High Places have
been awarded 3 star status by AITO, its highest rating.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers
may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a
customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO's low-cost Independent Dispute
Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to
a speedy and acceptable conclusion.
High Places is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
To contact the Association, visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280.
0845 257 7500 Email: treks@highplaces.co.uk
