Independent agent joins AITO to compete with the big boys
Family-run CBT Travel has become the latest company to become an AITO Specialist Travel Agent.
The independent said it decided to join because it is becoming harder and harder to compete with the online and direct prices of the big tour operators.
Based in Rossendale in Lancashire and founded in 1990, CBT Travel offers a range of holidays, from UK short breaks through to tailor-made worldwide itineraries.
"By joining AITO it gives us much more scope for using smaller, independent operators which we know will be working with us and not against us," said Lisa Mousley.
"It is quite obvious that the likes of Thomson, Thomas Cook, P&O and Princess Cruises do not feel they need travel agents due to cutting commission and offering packages cheaper online, with which we cannot compete.
"So I feel it is time we independent travel agents stuck together, stopped selling the big boys altogether and started supporting the independent operators that want to work with us, value our support and in return offer us decent commissions, fam trips and support with promotional events. This is why we joined AITO and hope that it will open many more doors for us."
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026