Australian Tourism Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the election of a new board with Christian Hunter re-elected as chair along with Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner as vice chair and Toni Ambler elected as vice chair, as well as the conclusion of its AGM.
The Board continues to reflect the diversity of ATIA’s membership. A total of six nominations were received for the six available Board positions.
Those formally elected to the Board as directors to serve a two-year term are:
New directors
- Greg O’Neil
- Jo Sully
Returning directors
- Katrina Barry
- Cinzia Burnes
- Christian Hunter
- Graham Turner
Directors continuing to serve (election next year)
- Toni Ambler
- Brett Mitchell
- Rohan Moss
- Peter Muller
- David Smith
What they said
Hunter: “It’s a tremendous honour to be re-elected to the ATIA Board. I’m looking forward to continuing our work delivering on A30, ensuring our members are well-supported and well-represented as we build a unified, future-focused travel industry,” Hunter said. “The progress we’ve made so far is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Turner: “I’m pleased to continue contributing to the ATIA Board at such a pivotal time for our industry,” Turner said. “There’s important work ahead as we drive reforms that support sustainable growth and ensure the travel sector remains strong, competitive, and future-ready.”
Barry: “It’s a privilege to continue contributing to the ATIA Board,” Barry said. “We’ve laid important foundations through A30 and I’m committed to strengthening the pathways we’re building for skills development, consumer trust, and member-driven innovation as we reinforce the strength of our industry. The future of travel in Australia is bright and I’m excited to help shape it as part of the Board.”
Burnes: “I am thrilled to have been re-appointed as a director to the Board of ATIA,” Burnes said. “The association can claim several achievements over the last 12 months, and I feel very proud to be part of a very talented and proactive Board.”
O’Neil: “For BCD, joining the ATIA Board is part of our commitment to support the overall corporate travel industry,” O’Neil said. “The ATIA is the driving voice for our sector and we look forward to contributing to the Board’s efforts to support members, uphold high standards, and help deliver on the Association’s strategic objectives.”
Sully: “I’m delighted to return to the ATIA Board and contribute to this next chapter of transformation for our sector,” Sully said. “A30 lays out an ambitious and necessary roadmap for strengthening our industry from workforce development to consumer confidence and I look forward to being part of the Board ‘s work in delivering meaningful outcomes for all members.”
Pherous: “As the Global MD of CTM, the work that the Australian Travel Industry Association is doing to address the challenges is of critical importance,” Jamie Pherous said. “I am excited that Jo as our Australian NZ CEO has been elected ensures that CTM continues to provide a leading contribution to addressing the major challenges our industry must overcome.”
Russom: “It has been an honour to serve as a Director on the ATIA Board, and I am incredibly proud of the exceptional work the Association and the Board have accomplished in advancing the industry,” Danielle Russom said.
“My personal highlight was the launching of A30 which I believe will provide the industry a foundation for growth. As I transition to my next opportunity, I am unable to continue in this role, but I leave with immense admiration for the ATIA’s dedication to strengthening the travel sector and fostering innovation. The Association’s impact is truly remarkable, and I will be contributing in every way I can to its continued success.”
