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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.”