AITO

Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)

Pure Crete has been awarded the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) Star Status for Responsible Tourism. This reflects our commitment to responsible tourism and ecotourism. Pure Crete restores stone-built Cretan houses and villas and helps to protect endangered species in Crete. This means that our clients can enjoy the rural tranquillity of traditional houses safe in the knowledge that their holidays help to conserve Crete’s natural and physical environment.

Houses are owned by local families so that the economic benefits go to local communities who engage in restoration and environmental work. We encourage recycling and the local production of organic foods. We sponsor a loggerhead turtle hatchery, contribute to the protection of the bearded vulture and subsidise the installation of solar energy in the houses we rent.

In the UK we use recycled paper, 100% renewable electricity (from wind, sea and solar) and encourage staff to bring forward initiatives to promote sustainability. In Crete we help to finance the installation of solar panels in the houses we rent. We have run wildflower and walking holidays in Crete for 10 years. Our customer loyalty is linked to our environmental approach as well as the enjoyment of a holiday in Crete.

Pure Crete offers properties in Megala Chorafia, Stilos, Provarma, Malaxa and along the coast in Armeni, Kalami, Alikambos and Lake Kournas. On the south coast we have houses above Frangokastello in Patsianos and Kapsodassos. We provide these in combination with flights from the UK, car hire and travel insurance.

In all these locations we encourage the restoration of disused Cretan houses and the use of traditional building methods.We are not involved in modern building or ownership but instead work in friendship with local communities to protect and enhance the environment.

All our team in Crete live there permanently so enabling us to sponsor recycling and the use of solar energy. As conservation of the local culture and environment is central to Pure Crete we are pleased to have been a founder member of Green Flag International - now Green Globe - an organisation set up to promote environmentally responsible tourism within the travel industry.

Unlike most holiday companies featuring Crete Pure Crete is still an independent company after 18 years. It is not owned by a large conglomorate. As an alternative large companies try Pure Crete's unique range of locally owned village houses many of which we've helped to restore. So if you want to visit the quiet tranquility of Western Crete and enjoy the Spring flowers or warm Autumn of Crete there's no better company than Pure Crete for independent holidays.

For many years Pure Crete has been an independent company specialising in travel for independent travellers, people who want the best from life often in unspoilt holiday locations.

If you have travelled with independent companies in the past we are sure you will appreciate Pure Crete's holidays in the future, as we are a company that values Crete's environment and culture and specialise in locally owned village houses, some with pools and others near the sea. So if you appreciate a more indendent approach we look forward to welcoming you to Pure Crete.

What is AITO?

AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, is an organisation representing over 150 of Britain's best specialist tour operators.

AITO members are independent companies, most of them owner-managed, specialising in particular destinations or types of holiday; this means that they are uniquely placed to provide personalised advice based on first hand experience. Every AITO member is passionate about its chosen destinations or activities and keen to share that enthusiasm with discerning holidaymakers.

The common aim of all AITO members is to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service, enshrined in the association's quality charter. It is a source of pride to the Association that AITO companies dominate the consumer-voted travel awards every year in various categories.

Companies admitted to AITO are not only vetted and fully bonded for clients' protection, in compliance with UK and European regulations. They are also bound by AITO's own code of business practice which includes provisions for the clear and accurate descriptions of holidays and the use of customer questionnaires for monitoring standards. AITO members are also encouraged to participate in raising awareness among staff, customers and suppliers of the importance of responsible tourism.

This information has ben taken from the AITO website www.aito.co.uk

Pure Crete,
Bolney Place,
Cowfold Road,
Haywards Heath,
West Sussex
RH17 5QT

Tel: ++44 (0)845 070 1571

Fax: ++44 (0)845 070 1572