Kenward, who has been with Aito for 10 years, said: “It’s time I moved on to new opportunities and challenges, using the experience, skills and network I have built up over the 30 years I have been in the travel industry. 

“Apart from being a director on Aito’s Council, I have managed a lively and diverse membership of over 300 companies - tour operators, travel agents, affiliate tourist offices and business partners. 

“It has been satisfying to watch Aito member businesses grow and prosper; many have been acquired or merged into larger organisations, which is an ongoing trend.”

Aito chairman Derek Moore said Kenward had led Aito “through thick and thin over the past 10 years, facing many of the challenges that the travel industry throws at all within it”.

“She will be sorely missed by her board of directors, by Aito members and by me,” added Moore.

Aito said it was seeking applications for the role of executive director from “suitably experienced and qualified applicants”, with applications being handled by its two recruitment specialist affiliate business partners - C&M Travel Recruitment and Jayne Peirce Recruitment.