FAQs

The Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) is the UK’s largest independent membership organisation supporting and representing the interests of individuals who organise travel for groups. Associate membership is available to destinations, visitor attractions and any travel trade supplier that provide services for group travel.

Established in 1991, the Association now has more than 450 group travel organiser members and 250 Associate members. Membership services include bespoke organiser liability insurance, legal updates, an advice line, VIP registration to trade shows, free membership of the National Trust, free entry to English Heritage and National Trust for Scotland properties, and a range of other discounts and offers.

At its simplest, a group travel organiser (GTO) is anyone who organises a trip, visit, holiday or tour for a group of people. Examples:

• A secretary of a social club, U3A or WI putting together a day out, short break or extended holiday for members
• A grandmother organising a holiday for her extended family
• Someone, of any age, organising a trip for a group of friends

In most cases a “group” is 10 or more people. The reason for that is that most travel and tourism suppliers will offer discounted rates for 10 or more people.

By recognising that you are a GTO means you can find support and advice from organisations such as AGTO.

Benefits include:

• Access to AGTO’s GTO member database
• Opportunity to present your business at seven regional AGTO branch meetings
• Chance to host familiarisation trips to showcase your business and network with GTOs
• Invitation to AGM and Showcase Weekend to mix with GTO membership in both a commercial and social setting
• Regular networking opportunities

Just click on the Join Us button, or see AGTO at the industry exhibitions throughout the year, details on the Events Calendar

GTO Membership is available for £30 inclusive of VAT per year.

Associate Membership is available for £250 plus VAT per year – plus £100 joining fee.

AGTO has a network of seven branches: Central, Eastern, Kent, Northern, Scotland, Southern and Western. Each branch provides a range of networking and social events, together with ‘fam’ trips and other activities. Members are automatically affiliated to their nearest branch but are welcome to join in and attend activities of any branch

We produce a quarterly AGTO Magazine which carries news, articles and advice covering national and branch activities

GTOs gain access to free legal advice, preferential insurance rates, regular advice on legislation affecting travel regular activity updates PLUS preferential and discounted offers and FAM trip information from Associate members.  Full details available once members log in

There are very specific legal considerations when it comes to group organising, regardless of the size of the group, or how often you organise them. These rules are set down in UK Law, not by this Organisation. We are here to ensure that all Organisers are fully aware of their legal obligations and duties, and the risks associated with not heeding the law. As an AGTO Member, you are also entitled to free legal advice over the telephone from our specialists (you must quote your membership number to obtain advice).

AGTO exhibits at all the major trade events across the UK. Specifically, we attend Excursions,  BTTS and the Group Leisure and Travel Show, GO at Kempton & attend WTM London. In addition we exhibit at a range of smaller regional events throughout the year. For more information on where you can meet us, please see the Events Tab in the menu.

There is a comprehensive list of all our Associate Members in the menu section under Membership. You can search by business type by choosing from the drop down Category menu or by company name. Any offers that Associates are making are listed separately under the menu heading ‘Special Offers’.

Associate Members  can access the information on our Group Organisers once you are a member of AGTO and have received your membership number and password information from us.

If you require information on members in your area or elsewhere, please contact your Branch Chair via the ‘Branches’ sub menu.