Addressing Aito’s annual general meeting on Thursday (19 April), Rowles admitted Aito’s HQ team had been "short-staffed over the past few years", and the association "short on policy for a while".

He said the new hires, head of industry affairs Christina Brazier and head of membership Emma Taylor, "would give HQ the resource to achieve what we want them to". Aito also recently took on marketing communications manager Amy Waller.

Atol expert Brazier brings more than 20 years’ industry experience to her newly created role within Aito; she started her career as a graduate trainee at the CAA and went on to spend 15 years focusing on Atol issues, working her way up to a senior management position with responsibility for licensing, crisis management and Atol policy.

In 2018, she joined the Travel Trade Consultancy as operations director for its in-house insurance broker, The Travel Vault, providing financial protection solutions to travel businesses. Her remit was widened to help TTC clients with regulatory compliance and to oversee several trust accounts.

"I have worked with Aito for many years and have been so impressed by the members’ passion for their products and destinations, and for continuously delivering the highest levels of customer service," said Brazier.

"Aito has provided valuable support to its members for nearly 50 years, so I have big shoes to fill. I can’t wait to get to know the members better, and to ensure they are well represented in the upcoming regulatory changes for the travel sector. I am also excited to be part of Aito’s growth plans, and to work with the Aito team to maintain its strength for the future.”

Taylor, meanwhile, started her career in travel more than 25 years ago straight from college after studying leisure and tourism. Despite targeting a career in hotel management, Taylor entered the cruise sector and it was during that time she "fell in love with the dynamic nature of the travel industry", said Aito.

"Having worked with Aito as a member and an affiliate, I align closely with its objectives to support SME businesses," said Taylor. "The association is sometimes misunderstood within the wider travel industry; I want to explore the opportunities with businesses who have yet to understand the benefits AITO can bring to their business – and ultimately to ensure Aito is an association businesses aspire to be part of.

"Aito’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction resonates with me deeply. The opportunity for networking and collaboration is unique, and hugely valuable to Aito members.”

Taylor’s remit will involve growing the Aito membership in line with its five-year plan while ensuring existing members feel valued and are encouraged to actively participate in the association’s work. Sumners told the AGM Aito’s aim was to restore membership to around 150 members.

"We are delighted to welcome both Christina and Emma to the team," said Sumners. "Their considerable experience in the travel industry will doubtless be extremely valuable to Aito; we look forward to taking big strides forward on behalf of SME Aito members with our new team onboard."

Brazier, Taylor and Waller will work alongside Sumners, as well as Yvonne Kinder, who oversees partnerships, events and Aito’s specialist travel agents, and accounts and office manager Pam Hersey.