NTIA nominees announced in another record-breaking year for submissions

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:32:27 GMT

It’s here! ATIA is pleased to announce the 2026 nominees for the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA).

NTIA 2026 will be held on 10 October in Melbourne and is set to be the biggest year on record, with over 2,000 peer nominations received from every corner of the travel industry; beating out 2025’s previous record by more than 300 additional nominations!

Find the full list of nominees at https://atia.eventsair.com/ntia-2026-awards-program/nominees

This year there are 36 categories which have been refreshed in line with feedback from our NTIA Custodians.

Next steps for nominees depend on the category. Visit the ATIA awards program website for more information on the judging methodology.

Get ready to have your say when voting for the supplier categories opens on 15 June and make sure you’ve locked in your votes before July 17.
Finalists for the judged categories will be announced in late July, so keep an eye out!
NTIA 2026 is set to be a huge weekend for the travel industry, including Beyond Borders, the Finalists Celebration, the NTIA Gala and, of course, the Wellness 5km!

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEAN LONG, ATIA CEO:
“It’s wonderful to see NTIA go from strength to strength and our 2026 celebrations are already shaping up to be one of the largest we’ve ever had. We look forward to seeing everyone in Melbourne for Beyond Borders on Friday 9 October and then NTIAs on Saturday 10 October. Get voting to show your support for those in Travel who represent the very best of our sector!”

ATIA MEMBERS VOTE YES TO CATO MERGER

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:23:18 GMT

Thursday 11 June 2026: It is a green light for the ATIA-CATO merger, with ATIA members this morning joining CATO members in voting yes to unite Australia's travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies under a single, stronger peak body.

CATO members voted overwhelmingly in favour at their EGM on 10 June. This morning's vote at ATIA’s General Meeting confirms the outcome. From 1 July 2026, CATO becomes a formally constituted and constitutionally protected division of ATIA. Both Boards unanimously recommended the merger to their respective memberships, reflecting a shared view that the combined structure delivers materially better outcomes for members of both organisations.

What the merger delivers

From 1 July 2026, CATO operates as the Council of Australian Tour Operators Division within ATIA. The division is enshrined in the ATIA constitution and can only be dissolved by a joint vote of CATO division members and ATIA members. The Division Chair holds a guaranteed seat on the ATIA Board.

For dual members, duplication ends: one membership, one accreditation scheme combining the best of both programs, one portal. The first full year of ATIA membership for CATO members (FY28, tiers 1 to 4) is covered by existing CATO funds. The full CATO events calendar continues for a minimum of two years, and the Touring Academy, now with access to ATIA's broader member base, gains additional reach and resource.

A dedicated Director-level land supply leadership role will be established within ATIA, with CATO involvement in the appointment process. CATO staff join ATIA with continuous service and all entitlements recognised.

Quotes from Christian Hunter, Chair, Australian Travel Industry Association

"When we launched Project A30, we made a commitment that every segment of this industry would have structured, meaningful representation within ATIA. We delivered that for travel management companies through our merger with ATMC. We delivered it for independent agents through the launch of ITAA. Today, with CATO members voting yes and our own members confirming that outcome, we deliver it for Australia's tour operators and land supply sector. The picture is now complete.

"A stronger, more representative ATIA is better placed to do everything we exist to do: advocate harder, accredit more rigorously, support members through disruption and build the kind of industry profile that attracts the next generation of travel professionals. Every CATO member gains access to that. Every existing ATIA member benefits from a broader, more unified body. This is a good day for the whole of Australian travel."

“On behalf of ATIA, we welcome CATO into the ATIA family and we thank Dennis, the CATO board and team for all the work that has happened behind the scenes as well as the CATO members for taking the time to listen to the rationale for the merger.”

Quotes from Dennis Bunnik, Chair, Council of Australian Tour Operators

"The industry has spoken and I could not be more proud of where we have landed.

"CATO has built something genuinely special over many years: a tight-knit community, a dedicated events program, deep sector expertise and an independent voice that has always punched above its weight. None of that goes anywhere. What today adds is the full weight of ATIA's advocacy, government relationships and national infrastructure sitting behind every one of our members, with CATO's identity and independence constitutionally protected. That is an exciting combination and the land supply sector is better positioned than it has ever been.

"It has been a privilege to chair CATO through this process and I along with the CATO Board are delighted with the outcome which we know is in the best interests of our members and the Travel Sector.”

ATIA WELCOMES WSI DOMESTIC SERVICES LAUNCH

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:02:26 GMT

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has welcomed today's announcement that Jetstar and Qantas tickets are now on sale for domestic services from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), describing the development as a significant and long-awaited step forward for Australian travellers.

The launch follows the confirmation of services linking WSI to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, connecting some of Australia's most popular holiday destinations with a brand new 24-hour international airport. While the initial flight schedule is modest in size, ATIA says the significance of what WSI represents for the broader travel network is substantial.

From 25 October 2026, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane. From 28 March 2027, Qantas will add four weekly services to both Brisbane and Melbourne, operated by QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.
For travel agents and tour operators across the country, the arrival of a new gateway into Greater Sydney opens genuine new options for building domestic itineraries and packages, particularly for the fast-growing Western Sydney catchment area. More flights means more options for travellers, and more opportunity for travel businesses to serve a broader range of customers.

WSI will also become a significant freight hub, with the airport's integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct opening on 26 July 2026 and Qantas Freight among the first operators to fly from the facility.

Quotes attributable to Dean Long, CEO, ATIA:
"This is exciting news for Australian travellers and for the travel industry. Yes, it is a small number of flights to start with, but they link to some genuine holiday hot spots and they mark the beginning of what WSI will grow into.

"More flights always means more options for travellers, and more options means more business for the travel agents and tour operators who are there to help Australians plan their trips.

"Western Sydney International is a transformative addition to Australia's travel landscape. It gives millions of people in western Sydney direct access to the network for the first time, and it gives the whole country a new gateway. We look forward to watching this airport grow and to the increased connectivity it will bring for Australian travellers."

Tickets on sale now! Don’t miss Beyond Borders on the Road (BBOTR) in Adelaide and Perth

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:45:05 GMT

Following the massive turnout for BBOTR in Brisbane, tickets are now on sale for Adelaide (20 July) and Perth (22 July).

With over 100 people in attendance, the Brisbane event brought together a mix of suppliers, consortia and travel agents from across Queensland for a night of networking and industry updates.

The diversity of the travel industry was also reflected by the range of topics covered; from RBA surcharging to ATIA leadership team updates and – perhaps most timely – a reminder from Nicole O’Sullivan that travel is the business of making dreams come true.

With tickets just $55 for ATIA members and $110 for non-ATIA members, BBOTR is great value for a night of connection, information and updates from across the whole travel industry.

Secure your spot for Adelaide: https://atia-bbotr-adl.eventsair.site/
Secure your spot for Perth: https://atia-bbotr-per.eventsair.site

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEAN LONG, ATIA CEO:

“ATIA is thrilled with the turnout for Brisbane and we’re looking forward to bringing BBOTR to Adelaide and Perth to continue this momentum before the Beyond Borders Summit in October. Secure your tickets and don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the industry at your local level.”

MEDIA MOMENTUM ACCELERATES ATIA'S PUSH FOR COMMONSENSE SMARTRAVELLER REFORM

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:26:02 GMT

The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) Campaign for Commonsense has lifted a notch following a major weekend of mainstream media coverage, with the peak body now mobilising its national membership to join the push for urgent travel advice reform on travel through the Middle East.

The campaign is a direct response to critical feedback from frontline ATIA members. Travel agents and tour operators report that while clients are transiting through major hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha entirely without incident, Australia’s rigid Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") blanket advisory is exposing these travellers to an unintended travel insurance void.

Following extensive national exposure across News Corp, all commercial television networks, and widespread radio, ATIA members will now also be able to amplify the call for commonsense via a Member Toolkit with social media assets, key talking points for clients and template letters to key decision makers.

Since the conflict started, ATIA has been working quietly, diligently, and constructively in partnership with the Federal Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). However, the campaign has reached a critical inflection point. Australia is now a distinct international outlier. Key global allies including the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland have already updated their risk parameters, downgrading transit through these airports to Level 3.

ATIA is a staunch supporter of DFAT and the Smartraveller network but warns that maintaining an advisory disconnected from the reality on the ground is actively eroding public trust, with returning Australians telling family and friends to ignore official advice. ATIA is demanding a staged, proportionate response that moves airport transit to Level 3 ("Reconsider your need to travel"), recognising that a 90-minute airside transit carries a fundamentally different risk profile to an extended holiday in-country.

Quotes attributable to Dean Long, ATIA CEO:

"This campaign started exactly where it should: with our members. Our travel advisor and tour operator members raised the alarm because their clients are transiting these airports safely every day, yet many of them are flying into a travel insurance void because the official advice refuses to decouple a brief airport transit from an in-country holiday."

"We have worked constructively and quietly with the government for two months now but we have reached an inflection point where Australia is a total outlier. More than 150,000 Australians have transited these hubs safely over the last six weeks alone. We are absolutely not telling people to holiday in Dubai or Doha; we are asking for a staged, common-sense approach for transit passengers."

"The greatest risk right now is that Australians stop trusting Smartraveller altogether because the advice doesn't match the reality on the ground. That is a dreadful outcome for travellers, for the industry, and for the government. Following this weekend's incredible wave of national media support, we are providing our members with the tools and assets to stand together and push for a common-sense adjustment immediately."

Statement from Dean Long, CEO, ATIA re AVG Travels

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:17:22 GMT

The collapse of AVG Tours is a direct consequence of the gaps that exist when accreditation is not prioritised.

If travel businesses are not ATIA-accredited or are choosing to work with suppliers and partners who are not accredited,they are creating the conditions for operators like this to exist and grow.

That is a risk to your business. It is a risk to your customers. And ultimately, it damages confidence in the broader industry.

ATIA accreditation exists for a reason. Businesses that do not prioritise it, or actively work around it, share responsibility for the space that unaccredited operators fill.

NTIA nominations close this Friday: nominate before it’s too late

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:09:54 GMT

NTIA nominations are closing this Friday. Don’t miss your chance to recognise excellence in the travel industry.

Nominations are open across all 36 categories until Friday, so there is still time to celebrate the people and businesses who deserve it the most. You can nominate your colleagues, a stand-out travel business, or an industry peer who goes above and beyond; everyone is eligible to nominate and be nominated.

Nominate now, and have your say at the biggest awards night in Australian travel:
atia.eventsair.com/ntia-2026-awards-program/

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEAN LONG, CEO, ATIA:
“This week is your last chance to get your NTIA nominations in before they close on Friday. NTIA is your chance to be heard by the travel industry to recognise the hard work of our peers, so get your votes in and help us celebrate the best of our wonderful industry.”

ATIA secures airline panel for BBOTR Brisbane to give travel industry crucial aviation updates

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:02:44 GMT

: ATIA’s Beyond Borders on the Road (BBOTR) series continues in Brisbane tonight (May 20), bringing the travel industry together for an evening of networking, industry insights and updates from across the sector.

Following the success of the Sydney event last month, BBOTR Brisbane will see the return of sessions:

Updates from the ATIA leadership team, including advocacy and compliance insights.
Update on RBA surcharging changes from major sponsor TravelPay.
From influence to impact: how to stand out as a travel expert with Nicole O’Sullivan.

Plus, there will be industry insights from exclusive sessions including:

Go Insurance, major sponsor for BBOTR Brisbane, will delve into the importance of travel insurance and explain their new War & Armed Conflict Disruption cover extension.
Aviation panel discussion moderated by Brisbane Airport, with panellists from Cathay Pacific and CVFR Consolidation Services. Henry Tuttiett, Executive General Manager Communications & Public Affairs at Brisbane Airport will moderate the panel alongside panellists Tom Kennedy, Regional Head of Sales – Distribution Partnerships, Southeast Asia & Oceania from Cathay Pacific and James Brooker, General Manager AU/NZ, CVFR Consolidation Services.

The aviation panellists will bring their unique insights into key current topics, including Middle East flight plans and the collaborative steps they have taken to minimise the impact on travellers and their travel agency and tour operator partners. With content tailored to the issues affecting travel businesses the most, the panel will allow ATIA members to hear directly from representatives of the aviation industry.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO, DEAN LONG:
“Flight disruptions are a major concern for travel businesses and travellers at the moment, and ATIA is glad to be bringing some of the leading voices in aviation to BBOTR Brisbane. This panel will provide valuable information and practical guidance to attendees, and we look forward to seeing our members tonight in Brisbane.”

ATIA’s RBA surcharging resources are helping members navigate the changes

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:55:52 GMT

: ATIA’s resources on the RBA surcharging decision are giving members clarity where they need it most, including a new fact sheet to summarise key points for travel businesses before the changes come into effect on October 1.

ATIA has developed a comprehensive fact sheet for members that details:

the nature of the surcharging changes
practical preparation tips
options for managing payment costs once surcharging is removed
do’s and don’ts for lower cost payment options.

Travel businesses can rest assured that ATIA is continuing to advocate for the travel industry amidst these changes, and that we will be providing ongoing resources to members in the lead-up to October.

ATIA members can access the RBA surcharging decision fact sheet by logging into the ATIA website here: atia.travel/Resources

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO NINA HEDGES, ATIA DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE & MEMBERSHIP:
“The RBA’s removal of surcharging changes is a concern for the industry and it’s important that travel businesses are prepared for the changes before they come into effect this October. ATIA’s fact sheet is a fantastic resource for members who are seeking clarity; reading through will give members assurance and tools to navigate the changes.”

ATIA’s RBA surcharging resources are helping members navigate the changes

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:55:51 GMT

the nature of the surcharging changes
practical preparation tips
options for managing payment costs once surcharging is removed
do’s and don’ts for lower cost payment options.