FAQs

The Association for Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) is the UK’s largest independent membership organisation supporting and representing the interests of individuals who organise travel for groups. Partner 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 350 group travel organiser members and c200 Partner 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.

Important information

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).

Benefits  – check out the website for full membership benefits www.agto.co.uk

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 £35 inclusive of VAT per year.

We offer three levels of Partner Membership but all offer the same benefits:

We offer three levels of Partner Membership, but all offer the same benefits:

Level 1 – £300 plus VAT
Level 2 – £230 plus VAT – for registered charities
Level 3 – £120 -plus VAT for those trading below the current VAT threshold

For all membership levels there is a one-off joining fee of £100 plus VAT.

AGTO is a National organisation covering the entire UK, however there are regional bodies to which new members will be affiliated to, who organise events more locally for members.

Any member can take part in any FAM, activity, meeting, networking event across the country no matter which region they are affiliated to.

We produce a quarterly AGTO Traveller magazine which carries news, articles and advice covering national and regional activities.

We have a Monthly Newsletter for more urgent updates, a news section on the website and social media channels on FB, Linkedin, X, Instagram along with a members only AGTO user group on FB to allow discussion between members.

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 Partner members.  Full details available once members log in

AGTO exhibits at all the major group trade events across the UK. Specifically, we exhibit at Excursions at Wembley,  BTTS at the NEC and the Group Leisure and Travel Show at Milton Keynes & 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 Partner 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 Partners are making are listed separately under the menu heading ‘Special Offers’.

Partner 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.

Partner members are also entitled to a download of the GTO database- log in and request a download.