ITT has also reappointed Claire Steiner, Fiona Jeffery, Barbara Kolosinska and Charles Wilson for a further two years as board members. Half of the institute’s board positions are selected by members each year, with each director in post for two years.

Chair Steven Freudmann said he was “absolutely delighted” to see Steiner, Jeffery, Kolosinska and Wilson continue in their roles, adding Ainsworth would "prove to be a great ambassador" for the travel agency sector he will represent.

Beginning his career in 2009, Ainsworth entered the travel sector as a retail apprentice at Hays Travel, before joining Advantage in 2016. He spearheaded growth of the consortium’s in-house tour operation Advantage Holidays and was named in TTG’s 30 Under 30 class of 2018.

He sits on the ITT’s Education and Training Committee and also works as an ITT Future You ambassador.

“In my role as an ITT board member, I intend to represent and speak for independent travel agents and believe my knowledge of large membership organisation operations will be an asset, bringing a different perspective to the board,” he said.

“As an advocate of collaboration, my focus will be to champion the ITT’s work and mission, driving engagement with the institute from across industry and next-generation talent. I firmly believe that through collaboration and with a united approach, great results will be delivered, placing us in a position of strength to face the challenges and capitalise on opportunities of the future.”