CATO says g’day to pals in the USA with strategic USTOA meeting

CATO says g’day to pals in the USA with strategic USTOA meeting
Edited by Travel Weekly


CATO chair Dennis Bunnik’s recent visit to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) in New York City heralds a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts of global travel associations.

In a meeting with USTOA’s executive vice president Peggy Murphy, key discussions unfolded on the recovery trajectories of the travel industry in a post-pandemic world, as well as the effects of current geopolitical tensions on the sector.

During this strategic engagement, Dennis Bunnik presented the latest advancements in CATO’s accreditation program and consumer protection. The meeting facilitated a rich exchange of insights on government lobbying, with both associations sharing experiences and key learnings to strengthen their advocacy efforts.

A further commitment was forged to share sector and market research, with both leaders recognising the mutual benefits that such information exchange holds for their members. This meeting is not an isolated event but a continuation of CATO’s global dialogue, following recent productive meetings with sister organisations in Auckland and Canada.

Dennis Bunnik emphasised the value of these international relationships saying: “Our members operate across borders, and it is through these invaluable partnerships that we can collectively develop and advance our sector.”

CATO said this dialogue indicates the council’s commitment to innovating the travel sector through international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and unified advocacy.

(Featured Image: USTOA – Peggy Murphy and Dennis Bunnik)

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