HALLMARKS OF QUALITY AND SECURITY – PEACE OF MIND, WHICH COSTS YOU NOTHING EXTRA

More than ever, it is vital for travellers to feel secure in the knowledge that they have complete financial protection and that they are booking their holiday with a Tour Operator, who cares about the quality of service offered. Our clients can rest assured, because:-

Long Travel is bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority, ATOL number 4029, so your holiday is covered by complete financial protection. The Air Travel Organisers' Licence (ATOL) was introduced to protect the public from losing money or being stranded abroad, in cases of travel firms' failure. Managed by the CAA, it is the only protection scheme for holidays sold with a flight, as part of the travel arrangements. To consider booking a flight without ATOL protection would be a risk.

Long Travel is a member of AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, and bonded with AITO Trust, number 1094. Established in 1976, the AITO symbol has become the hallmark of good holidays from specialist independent tour operators. All AITO companies are fully bonded and governed by AITO's Independent Dispute Settlement Service, which means you are in safe hands when you book with an AITO member. The common aim of AITO members is to provide an attractive alternative to mass-market holidays, combining high standards backed up with a more knowledgeable, personal and caring service.

Long Travel is a member of ABTOI, the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. Formed in partnership with the Italian Tourist Board, a group of specialist tour operators and travel agents dedicated to providing the best holidays to Italy.

QUALITY CHARTER THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TOUR OPERATORS

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 - An AITO member is required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo. This protection applies to customers who are in the UK at the time of booking or to overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. Members have to comply with UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding or guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis.

ACCURATE BROCHURES and WEB SITES - 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 to 5 star status.

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.

AITO Quality Statement

Long Travel is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain's leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Long Travel abides by the Association's Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com . Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.