Peter Sommer Travels Named ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ by AITO

Travel writer and TV presenter Simon Reeve (second from left) after giving the 2015 AITO Tour Operator of the Year Gold Award to Peter Sommer (second from right) of Peter Sommer Travels. Photo source: Peter Sommer Travels

Archaeological and cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels in the UK has been named “Tour Operator of the Year” by Britain’s Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). The announcement was made last week at a special dinner in London for AITO’s 40th anniversary.

The AITO Tour Operator of the Year award goes to the AITO member which has had exceptional customer reviews on AITO.com during 2015. The number of reviews had to be 10 percent or more of the total annual passengers carried to ensure a true reflection of that company’s performance.

Headed by archaeologist and former BBC documentary maker Peter Sommer, the company escorts small groups among spectacular coastal landscapes and ancient sites in Greece, Turkey, Italy and Croatia.

“To receive the AITO Tour Operator of the Year award based on the criteria of exceptional independent customer reviews is an enormous honour and we’re immensely proud,” Peter Sommer said.

“This is a testament not only to the extraordinary experiences that we offer on our cultural tours and the fascinating knowledge offered by our passionate team of expert guides but primarily the appreciation of our guests for what we do. We are extremely grateful for the continuing support of our loyal guests over the years.”

The award is the latest in a string of accolades for the specialist travel company, which offers more than 20 different expert-led land tours and gulet cruises among the ancient sites of the Mediterranean.

AITO is an umbrella organisation that represents 122 of Britain’s best independent tour operators. Over 150 AITO Tour Operators, AITO Agents, Affiliated Business Partners and Tourist Offices, Social and Honorary members and special guests attended. Simon Reeve — the British author, television presenter and explorer — was the special guest for the evening.