CATO commemorates 25 years of industry leadership and innovation

  • Cato Dinner (1)
  • CATO dinner 2 (1)
  • CATO dinner 3 (1)
  • CATO dinner 4 (1)
  • CATO dinner 5 (1)
  • CATO dinner 6 (1)
  • CATO dinner 7 (1)
  • CATO dinner 8 (1)
  • CATO dinner 9 (1)
  • CATO dinner 11 (1)
  • CATO dinner 12 (1)
  • CATO dinner 13 (1)
  • CATO dinner 14 (1)
  • CATO dinner 15 (1)
  • CATO dinner 16 (1)
  • CATO dinner 17 (1)
  • CATO dinner 19 (1)
  • CATO dinner 20 (1)
1 / 18
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) commemorated its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Sydney Hilton Hotel that marked a significant milestone in its history.

    The celebration last Thursday was attended by 100 members and industry stalwarts, and was generously sponsored by CATO’s Platinum Partners: TravelPay, Gow Gates, and MINT Payments.

    Since its foundation in 1999, CATO has been a cornerstone of innovation and ethical practices within the land-supply sector of the Australian travel industry. For 25 years, CATO has diligently worked to elevate industry standards, foster innovation, and advocate for sustainable tourism practices.

    The Anniversary Dinner commemorated CATO’s historic milestones and an opportunity to reflect on numerous significant achievements as well as areas where the association has collaborated on advocacy over the last 25 years.

    Some of the highlights include GST exemptions on international travel, price advertising guidelines with ACCC, formation of DFAT’s Smarttraveller Consultative Group, and playing a pivotal role in the review of consumer protection in the travel industry.

    In addition, the association’s heavy involvement in the Consumer Travel Support Program (CTSP), to ensure the land supply sector was included in support programs at the onset of COVID and CATO was at the forefront of delivery of the Reinvigorating International Travel Program (RITG).

    CATO managing director Brett Jardine delivered a compelling speech that highlighted the enduring partnership between tour operators and wholesalers, a collaborative spirit that dates back to 60 years prior to CATO’s official formation.

    From fewer than 50 members, CATO now proudly represents over 260, underscoring the associations substantial growth and ongoing impact on the travel industry.

    A special highlight of the evening was a fireside chat moderated by CATO vice chair Lisa Pagotto. The discussion panel included CATO Life Member Peter Baily, chairman Dennis Bunnik, long-serving former board member Greg McCallum from the Entire Travel Group, and current long-term board member Martin Edwards from The Explorer Society.

    The panel shared invaluable insights into the early days of CATO, its evolution from an informal networking club to a crucial advocate for its members during the pandemic and the organisation that it is today.

    The evening concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting by Life Member Peter Baily, in honour of CATO’s 25 years of dedication and success in the travel industry.

    “It was such a pleasure to host our members and their guests as we celebrated 25-years of all things CATO. When looking back at all the challenges placed in front of us, we can be very proud of what we have achieved in advocating for Australian based tour operators and wholesalers,” said Jardine.

    Feature image: CATO chairman Dennis Bunnik with life member Peter Baily.

    Latest News

    • Hotels

    Chief executive officer Dave Baswal to depart Ovolo Hotels  

    Ovolo hotels have announced the  departure of chief executive officer Dave Baswal from his role, effective from the end of September. Baswal first joined the company in 2016, initially as director of finance & operations Australia, progressing through roles including COO and CFO, managing director, and ultimately assuming the CEO position in 2022.   During his […]

    • Hotels
    • Technology

    Amadeus introduces AI technology to modernise hotel business

    Travel technology provider Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to bring the power or AI to simplify hoteliers’ ability to search and understand business intelligence. Amadeus plans to incorporate Gen AI into an innovative new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, debuting with Agency360+.  The chatbot is powered by the Azure OpenAI Service and builds on […]

    • Attractions

    SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m

    The nearly finished luxury hotel and glamping resort inside Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been put up for sale Jayco caravan founder Gerry Ryan with an asking price of $50 million-plus. The Australian Financial Review reports Ryan acquired the 65.66ha site, in the Murraylands region 70km from Adelaide, from Zoos South Australia in […]

    • Aviation

    Avis and South African Airways announce partnership after relaunch of flights to Perth

    Car rental company Avis has announced a partnership with South African Airways (SAA) following the relaunch of its Perth to Johannesburg route after a four-year hiatus. “Avis is proud to partner with SAA to provide an integrated travel experience that ensures our customers receive the highest standard of service both in the air, and on […]

    • Hotels

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport officially open

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport were officially opened today, the largest hotel opening in Australia for 2024 so far. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams and Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements were joined by more than 120 people, including key industry stakeholders, for the official ribbon cutting and launch of […]

    • Cruise

    Crystal signs memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri

    Luxury cruise experience leader, Crystal, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri to construct two new, groundbreaking ships. The planned 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross tonne ship will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs that ensure unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Ship designs will be led by architectural firms, Studio […]

    • Aviation

    Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion

    Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]

    • Exhibitions

    Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra

    Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]

    • Cruise

    All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal

    Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]