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ATMC Members Endorse New Partnership with ATIA to Strengthen Corporate Travel

In an exciting step forward for Australia’s travel industry, Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) members have unanimously voted to enter a Joint Venture with The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).  

This partnership marks a significant advancement for the corporate travel sector - strengthening its national voice, protecting ATMC’s independence and delivering greater advocacy power and practical support for members. 

The Joint Venture will come into effect on 1 January 2026 after being unanimously approved by a special general meeting of ATMC members this morning. The special general meeting also adopted a new Constitution to enable ATMC to participate in the integration framework and modernise its rules. 

The partnership will ensure that ATMC continues to operate with full control over its agenda, identity and member engagement supported by dedicated funding while gaining access to ATIA’s national platform, advocacy, policy expertise, and workforce attraction initiatives. 

Under the terms of the Joint Venture, ATMC members will be recognised as an independent segment with ATIA, represented through the ATMC Committee as a formal sub-committee of the ATIA Board.  

The Joint Venture will remove unnecessary administrative processes and allow both organisations to focus on delivering real outcomes that benefit the corporate travel community. 

Importantly, ATIA emphasises that this partnership strengthens – not shifts – its commitment to all member segments, including retail, independent, tour operator and land supply members. Recent initiatives such as the commitment to Pulse meetings and establishment of the new Committee of Independent Travel Agents and Advisors (CTA) ensure every part of the industry retains a clear, structured voice within ATIA. 

The Joint Venture will run for an initial trial period of 15 months to March 2027 ahead of a formal vote of ATMC in early 2027 on whether to make the arrangement permanent. 

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CHAIR CHRISTIAN HUNTER  

“I am excited to welcome ATMC to this exciting partnership with ATIA. It will enable us to advance our commitment to support all sectors of the travel industry. For ATIA this means stronger sector representation, greater alignment across the travel ecosystem, and a smarter, more united voice at a national level. For ATMC it will enable stronger policy engagement, more workforce attraction opportunities and broader industry collaboration.’’ 

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG 

“I am delighted that ATIA and ATMC have entered this strategic partnership. ATIA is the largest and most representative travel association in Australia. We have a stated objective to be an advocate for a strong and prosperous Australian Travel Sector and the coming together of ATIA and ATMC enriches the opportunities for our current and new members.  

“Strategic partnerships are essential to enhance our members’ interests, drive stronger advocacy and improve member outcomes to effectively represent and support the interests of our members and the broader industry.’’  

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMC CHAIR PENNY SPENCER 

“This partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations to deliver stronger representation, greater influence, and improved support for members, while preserving what makes ATMC unique.  

“It also positions ATMC for the future - stronger, smarter and united, while maintaining an independent voice that continues to serve the corporate travel community.’’