About AOT

History

The AOT Group Pty Ltd (AOT) was founded in 1987 by Managing Director, Andrew Burnes. Today the company is owned by Andrew and his wife Cinzia.

In 1988 AOT commenced safari operations, running tours from Cairns to surrounding destinations including Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

In 1990 AOT started offering services as an Inbound Tour Operator (ITO). It is now the largest ITO in Australia and one of the largest in New Zealand, with major clients spread throughout the world, particularly the UK, Europe, South Africa and North America.

In 1994 AOT purchased the Australian business of the Passport Tour Company and commenced operating a Sydney-based Destination Management Company, the Australian Incentive Travel Company (AITC). In 1998 AITC purchased the business of Landmark Travel and incorporated this business into the business of AITC, including the very successful shipping division. Today this is a division of the Inbound Groups area and is recognised as one of Australia's leading destination management companies, handling incoming incentive, conference and shipping business from around the world.

In 1994 AOT also commenced its domestic wholesale operation, Travelpoint, which now produces wholesale programs for Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

In 1997 AOT commenced operations in New Zealand and in 1999 opened an office in Auckland. Today this office handles the inbound business from most of our major clients to New Zealand and is now one of the largest ITO's in New Zealand.

In 1998 AOT shifted its head office from Cairns in North Queensland to Melbourne and since that time has continued to grow and develop its range of services and business expertise.

In 2004 AOT purchased the online businesses www.needitnow.com.au and www.travelmate.com.au, two of Australia's leading online hotel portals.

In the same year, AOT successfully tendered to take over the operations of New South Wales Holidays under licence from Tourism New South Wales.

In 2005 AOT took over the operations of Sunlover Holidays under licence from Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Government adding Australia's premier wholesale operation to its group of distribution businesses further increasing its buying power, channel distribution opportunities and economies of scale.