The Aito Next Generation scheme will offer newly formed and start-up travel businesses the chance to present their ideas to Aito members in a bid to secure a year-long Protege membership.

According to Aito, the membership will allow the operators access to “mentoring and networking” and enable the companies to work with Aito business partners.

Operators are encouraged to apply for the scheme throughout August by submitting their business plans with selected candidates invited to pitch to the Aito Council in September and to the wider Aito membership the following month.

Successful companies will then be selected in November and the winner’s Protege membership beginning in early 2017.‎

Aito chairman Derek Moore said: “This new promotion will not only encourage entrepreneurs and fledgling specialists to join the challenging world of specialist tour operating, but will also lay the foundation stones for future Aito members.

“It’s a great way into the association for fledgling specialist tour operators, giving them access to a group of experienced minds in terms of established Aito members, plus Aito’s superb range of business partners, for advice on best practice and provision of ancillary support services.

“We’re hoping to receive a large number of applications and we’re looking forward to assessing the pitches in a couple of months’ time.”

Candidates must submit their application form and business plan by August 31 to Aito’s membership manager Bharat Gadhoke via Bharat@aito.com.