15 May Statement from Christian Hunter, Chair, Australian Travel Industry Association re CATO ATIA merger May 15, 2026 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 “This is a significant moment for the Australian travel industry. For too long, the sector has spoken on the same issues from different platforms, and government has been direct with us about what that costs in terms of collective influence. This merger, should members of both ATIA and CATO approve it, resolves that: one body, one advocacy position, one relationship with ministers, departments and regulators.” “ATIA members gain a stronger, more representative organisation. Our joint ATIA-CATO members enjoy the many benefits of the removal of duplication of fees, accreditation and process. The whole Australian travel industry gains a unified voice. That is the right outcome for every member.” “Under ATIA’s A30 strategic plan, we committed to ensuring every segment of the travel industry has structured, meaningful representation including through dedicated Board-level responsibilities for each member segment. ATIA has successfully done this for our TMC members with the merger with ATMC and through the creation of the Independent Travel Agents Association (ITAA).” “The formal recognition of the existing 100+ tour operator and land supply ATIA members as the next step in delivering on this A30 commitment provided an opportunity to consult with CATO on whether it is now time to consider a joint future. The ATIA Board and the CATO Board are unanimous in the view that this is the right time and the right approach to combine the strengths of both organisations to deliver value for our members. This is why we are strongly recommending our members support it.” Related Articles Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA Highlights the Critical Role of Travel Advisors This Global Travel Advisor Day The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is using Global Travel Advisor Day (7 May 2025) to highlight the critical contribution accredited travel businesses and their incredible staff make every day to safer, smarter travel and championing their value as trusted professionals supporting millions of Australians. Australians are turning away from the USA and towards Asia as new data reveals a seismic shift in where Australians want to travel Thursday 16 April 2026: New data from the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) shows Australians are voting with their feet, turning away from the United States and redirecting travel spend to Asia at a rate that points to something more than a short-term trend. Travel Industry Shines Bright on its Night of Nights as NTIA 2025 Celebrates Excellence 18 October 2025: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has tonight celebrated the very best of the Australian travel sector, with almost 1,200 industry professionals coming together at a sold-out National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) at The Star, Brisbane. ATIA and My First Job Launch “The Travel Gap” to Expand Travel Workforce The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has joined forces with My First Job, the innovative youth employment platform, to launch The Travel Gap, a new initiative designed to inspire and support school leavers in discovering exciting, real-world careers within Australia’s travel industry. ATIA Announces Inaugural ITAA Members 8 April 2026: Australia's independent travel agents and advisors now have a formal voice in national industry leadership with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) today announcing the inaugural members of the Independent Travel Agents Association (ITAA Showing 0 Comment