The Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) is marking four decades in the travel industry, with members, partners and industry leaders gathering in Sydney this week for its anniversary conference, Future Focus 2026.
Events kicked off on Thursday night at Pier One Sydney, with welcome drinks and speeches, and an ATAC Board meeting.
Addressing delegates at the conference this morning, ATIA CEO Dean Long highlighted the increasingly important role of collective industry advocacy, pointing to the association’s work representing agents on issues ranging from aviation and consumer protection to regulation and workforce development.
“Being your voice in government is really important,” Long said. He urged independent agents to recognise the value of coming together behind common industry priorities.
“It is the collective action that allows us to combat these stupid policy decisions the government makes,” he said.
Long also stressed that advocacy was an ongoing process, rather than a one-off campaign.
“It is a constant battle on your behalf,” he said.
The conference also heard from ATAC chairman Jack Taylor, who reflected on the co-operative’s 40-year history and its role in supporting independent travel businesses.
“We want to continue our value to our partners. We want to continue our value to our members, and we want to continue our value for our customers in the broader travel ecosystem.”
