Face-to-face Q&A sessions over the merger of CATO with ATIA have been held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne with the final member information session to be held online this Tuesday.
At the successful sessions both ATIA, represented by chair Christian Hunter and CEO Dean Long, were in the room and then with just CATO members and chair Dennis Bunnik.
The majority of questions from the 10-15 members who attended each session revolved around fees, with members given a breakdown of fee-free periods and rollovers of existing tiered memberships.
Bunnik told Travel Weekly there was a good mix of both small and larger fee-paying members.
“There were lots of good questions on the merger including about the details of membership fees, accreditation and support for smaller members,” Bunnik said.
The merger recommendation, to be voted on by CATO members at an EGM on Tuesday 9 June, follows extensive deliberation by both boards, which shared a united belief in the significant benefits the merger delivers for both membership bases. The proposed outcome is a single, peak industry body that brings together Australia’s travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies under one, stronger structure.
“It was a great opportunity to hear from detail on the proposal from myself, vice-chair Sean Martin who will continue on the committee if merger proceeds, Christian, Dean and CATO GM Mira Yates,” Bunnik added.
CATO board members also attended in each state included: Brad McDonnell, James O’Donnell and Amanda Highfield in Sydney, Ingrid Berthelsen & Aaron Zoanetti in Melbourne, plus ATIA Board member Brett Mitchell.
“We were able to articulate implications of both a yes vote and a no vote,” Bunnik said.
The final member information session before the vote will be held online on Tuesday 2 June at 10.30AM AEST.
Members can register here.
If members vote yes, CATO becomes a formally constituted and constitutionally protected Land Supply and Tour Operator division within ATIA.
After the merger is put to the vote, Bunnik will step down after 14 years on the board with 11 as chair.
