Independent Travel Agents/Advisor Association (ITAA)

Co owner of Tasmania’s longest running locally owned Travel Agency. Decades of experience within the Australian travel industry Robyn is renowned for a personalised problem solving approach with a deep knowledge of global destinations and partner relationships. Robyn represents many companies on Travel Advisory Boards within Australia and is a Life Member of her local Chamber of Commerce.

Emma Whiting is the Founder and Managing Director of Emma Whiting Travel, a Melbourne-based independent luxury travel agency specialising in designing and managing complete, personalised travel journeys. With over 30 years in the travel industry, Emma began her career with Flight Centre in 1993, working as a travel advisor before progressing into leadership roles, including Brand Leader of Student Flights, prior to establishing her own agency in 2006. Over nearly two decades, she has built a sustainable, service-led business grounded in strong client relationships, commercial discipline and a commitment to delivering high-quality travel experiences.

Sonia Jones is the Founder and Director of Sonia Jones Travel, a boutique, ATIA Accredited Travel Agency established in 2014. With 24 years in the industry, she has built a business recognised for excellence, innovation and responsible travel. Under her leadership, SJT has grown from a solo home-based operation to a team of five, and was proudly the first Independent Contractor model to achieve ATIA accreditation. Sonia is a strong advocate for the independent advisor sector and contributes regularly to industry panels, webinars and thought leadership, bringing a practical small business perspective to broader industry challenges and opportunities.

Her leadership and impact have been recognised through multiple industry awards, including Australian Small Business Champion, Gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards, finalist at the Australian Tourism Awards, multiple Virtuoso advisor and agency award nominations, and winner of Most Outstanding Travel Agency Manager at the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs). Sonia is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader, committed to elevating industry standards, supporting her peers, and helping shape a resilient, responsible and future-focused travel industry.

Brian Conway is General Manager of Bonaventure Travel, a Perth-based travel advisory established in 1988. With close to 20 years in the industry, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the business and supports his team in delivering end-to-end travel across corporate and premium leisure clients.

He began as a home-based advisor while working in engineering, before transitioning into the industry full-time. Since then, he has worked across a wide range of clients, from private family offices and boutique corporates to individual travellers and groups, developing a practical understanding of the industry at all levels. This has shaped a calm and measured approach, working closely with his team to ensure both clients and advisors are supported when it matters most.

I am the Owner and Director of Pursers Coaches Pty Ltd, trading as Helloworld Pursers Travel Group, and alongside my husband Andrew, we own and operate Pursers Coaches. Together, our businesses span a network of 14 Helloworld Travel agencies across Queensland, in both regional and metro communities, as well as school transport and charter services supporting those regions. Andrew oversees all things bus and coach, while I focus on our retail travel businesses, our people, and the continued growth of the group.

Having been part of a family-owned bus, coach and tour business for over 20 years, my journey into retail travel was a natural progression, driven by a genuine passion for the industry. We opened our first retail store in 2016 and have since grown steadily, including expanding during the pandemic to support both our team and the wider travel community. My background has been shaped by regional business and a strong focus on building something sustainable for our teams, our clients, and the communities we operate in. I’m passionate about supporting frontline consultants, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring independent agencies continue to have a strong and valued voice. I believe what we do is about more than travel; it’s about creating experiences, building trust, and being there for our clients every step of the way.

Paul Pearman is a travel professional and business owner with a strong passion for the role travel advisors play in shaping meaningful experiences in their clients’ lives. He believes that the value of a great advisor extends far beyond booking travel — acting as a trusted guide, curator, and advocate for their clients. Paul is committed to ensuring the independent sector remains strong, relevant, and well represented for years to come. He has a growing interest in the role of emerging technologies, and how these can be thoughtfully integrated to support and enhance the work of travel advisors. He brings a practical, on-the-ground perspective and a genuine desire to contribute to positive industry outcomes through collaboration and informed advocacy.

Driven by a lifelong passion for travel, I bring 20 years of inbound and 8 years of outbound tourism experience. As the founder of ATIA-accredited Suncatcher Holidays and a CLIA Master Consultant, I am a group tour specialist focusing on high-end travel products and professional team coordination. I have deeply cultivated the VFR market, consistently delivering outstanding performance that proves the value of dedication and expertise.

After more than 45 years in the travel industry across three countries, I’ve seen it all, from frontline consulting through to Product, Groups, and special interest travel. Now with Viva Travel, I bring that hands on experience into a world where travel is no longer just about booking a trip, it’s about creating something personal, seamless, and genuinely memorable. I’ve always believed travel isn’t a luxury, it’s a connection point between people and cultures, and getting it right takes both attention to detail and a sense of adventure.

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong understanding of what independent agents are really dealing with day to day, the constant evolution of technology, shifting client expeITAAtions, and the need to balance it all while still delivering exceptional service. I’m passionate about raising the profile of independent agents and making sure our voice is not just heard but valued. Being part of this committee is about backing the people who bring flexibility, experience, and heart to this industry, and making sure we remain a vital part of its future.

With over two decades of travel industry experience, I am a passionate advocate for inclusive tourism. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Planetdwellers, Australia's premier LGBTQIA+ travel specialist and an NTIA award winner agency. We are focused on creating exceptional and powerful travel experiences.

My commitment to the industry extends to my long-standing leadership within Gay & Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA), where I have served as President and continue to contribute as the current Vice President.

With over 28 years in the travel industry, Julia brings knowledge, leadership, and passion to her role as a business owner and travel professional. Her career began in retail travel with Harvey World Travel, where she developed a strong foundation in client service and travel planning. She then expanded her expertise with Travelex, representing the Cash Passport card and specialising in travel finance solutions.

Julia later moved into franchising with the Jetset Travelworld Group in Sydney, gaining valuable experience in network operations and business development. In 2008, she relocated to Newcastle, where she and her business partners, Mark and Karen, grew their travel business from a single office to four locations under the Harvey World Travel brand before successfully rebranding to italktravel.

Today, the business operates a thriving retail location supported by a team of seven consultants, alongside a network of five independent mobile agents running their own businesses under the company’s licence.

Deeply passionate about travel, Julia is committed to delivering exceptional client experiences from the initial booking through to the journey itself. She leads with integrity, honesty, and professionalism, values that have underpinned her long-standing success. With more than two decades as a joint business owner, she is proud of the longevity of her career and the strong, trusted relationships she has built within the industry and with her clients.

Nicole King is the owner of Holiday and Cruise Centre in Ballarat, bringing nearly four decades of experience to the travel industry. After 15 years operating from a main street storefront, Nicole transitioned to a home-based model in 2020, allowing her to continue delivering the same high level of personalised service her clients have come to rely on.

Specialising in leisure travel, Nicole has built a loyal client base driven by repeat business and referrals. Her approach is grounded in experience, care and attention to detail, ensuring every itinerary is thoughtfully tailored and commercially sound. She is known for combining practical industry knowledge with a genuine understanding of what clients value, resulting in seamless and memorable travel experiences.

Nicole has also played an active leadership role within the industry, serving on the ATAC Board for eight years, including in the position of Secretary. During this time, she has been a strong contributor to the co-operative’s growth and a generous mentor to fellow members, particularly those newer to the industry.

Peta Godfrey is the Director and Co-Founder of Travel Focus Group, established in 2018 after purchasing the long-standing Platinum Travel agency in Gerringong, where she worked for 11 years. Building on these strong foundations, she has grown the business into a highly regarded agency known for thoughtful, personalised travel planning and trusted supplier partnerships. With over two decades in the travel industry, Peta leads a highly engaged team delivering tailored leisure travel solutions for a loyal and growing client base. She is passionate about the travel industry and focused on continually growing her business, while investing in her own personal and professional development.