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ONE INDUSTRY, ONE VOICE: ATIA CAPS ITS STRONGEST YEAR AT 49TH AGM

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has completed the most ambitious structural expansion in its history, saved members up to $100 million in regulatory costs, and posted record satisfaction and financial results.  
 
ATIA's 49th Annual General Meeting, held on this morning in Sydney, formally adopted the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. 
 
Christian Hunter was confirmed as Chair, with Graham Turner and Toni Ambler continuing as Vice Chairs. Five Directors were returned to the Board: David Smith (Flight Centre Travel Group), Rohan Moss (Helloworld Travel Limited), Toni Ambler (The Travel Corporation), Peter Muller (CT Partners), and Brett Mitchell (Intrepid Travel). 
One Peak Body. Every Sector. One Voice. 

Three years into Project A30, ATIA has delivered on every structural commitment made at its founding Beyond Borders Summit.  
 
The ATMC merger brought corporate travel managers formally into ATIA's structure. The launch of the Independent Travel Agents Association (ITAA) gave home-based advisers, boutique operators, and regional retailers dedicated representation with a genuine role in shaping policy. The member-approved merger with the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) brings tour operators and wholesalers into the same structure, completing the picture. 
 
Every segment of Australian travel now sits within a single, coordinated structure. When ATIA engages government, media, and the travelling public, it speaks for the whole industry.  

The Advocacy Result of the Year: Up to $100 Million Saved 

The exclusion of travel agents and tour operators from the Aviation Ombudsman Scheme is the standout advocacy win of 2025/26, delivering an estimated $40 to $100 million in compliance cost savings directly to members. For many small and independent businesses, these are costs they simply would not have had the capital to absorb. 
 
It did not happen by accident. ATIA engaged in four formal consultation rounds, appeared before a Senate Inquiry, made multiple written submissions, and maintained intensive engagement with Ministers and the ACCC until the outcome was secured.  
 
Across the year, ATIA lodged 10 formal submissions, held 128 meetings with key political leaders, and conducted more than 100 public service discussions. 

Accreditation: The Bar That Means Something 

ATIA's accreditation program held its standard. Twenty-eight new businesses joined the ATIA Accredited community, choosing to hold themselves to the highest professional benchmark in Australian travel. Member renewal sat at 98.5 per cent. Twenty-two per cent of those who sought accreditation during the year did not meet the required standard and were refused. 
 
The 2025 ATAS Charter Review updated the program's standards to reflect how the industry actually operates today. Industry-led oversight through the Accreditation Advisory Committee ensures equal representation from agents, tour operators, wholesalers, and networks. That integrity underpins ATIA's credibility with government and regulators. 
Member Services 

Enterprise Benchmarking Reports gave members individually tailored business insights at no charge, allowing businesses of every size to compare their operations against industry peers. Revamped Pulse meetings created genuine forums for dialogue across all member segments, from solo agents and mobile consultants through to tour operators and networks. 
Record Financial Results 

Total revenue grew 21 per cent to $3.64 million, driven by strong corporate partnerships and a record National Travel Industry Awards. A net surplus of $279,328 was directed back into reserves, with fee relief extended to members. The average membership fee for businesses with a TTV under $10 million remains $1,127. The Association's Net Promoter Score reached 79 against an internal target of 50. 
 
Of every dollar members contribute, 42 cents goes directly to member services; 25 cents funds advocacy; 14 cents maintains the accreditation scheme; and 19 cents covers essential operating costs. Every dollar is working for members. 

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CHAIR CHRISTIAN HUNTER 

"Three years ago, we made a commitment at Beyond Borders that every segment of this industry would have a real seat at the table and a genuine voice in shaping outcomes. The ATMC merger, the launch of ITAA, and the CATO merger are not separate initiatives. They are the delivery of that commitment. One peak body. Every sector represented. One co-ordinated voice." 
 
"Keeping travel agents and tour operators out of the Aviation Ombudsman Scheme was the advocacy result of the year. It did not happen by accident. It was four consultation rounds, a Senate Inquiry, and sustained expert engagement until the outcome was secured. That is up to $100 million our members will never have to find. For small and independent businesses, that is real money." 
 
"An NPS of 79 against a target of 50. Retention at 98.5 per cent. Revenue up 21 per cent. A surplus that goes straight back into what we offer members. That is what a peak body in good shape looks like, and I am enormously proud of what this Board, this team, and this membership have built together."