CATO hosts Catalan-themed Christmas party

Closing out a year like no other, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) recently gathered (COVID-safely, of course) at the Travel Industry Hub in North Sydney for its annual Christmas party.

Sponsored by Catalan Tourist Board, the evening included wine and interactive food tasting, showcasing the rich flavours the region is famous for.

The event even included a Catalonian chef to prepare paella for the guests, as well as a live Zoom call with a pair of cocineros (chefs) from their patio in Barcelona.

CATO managing director Brett Jardine said: “It was wonderful to feel that sense of ‘travel’ again, and to deliver a proper Christmas gathering for such a positive group of people who have really had a difficult 2020.”

For the CATO executive team, 2020 has been its busiest ever year as it advocated, lobbied, engaged with national media, and communicated to and supported its members in every way possible.

“We are all looking forward to 2021, though we’re under no misgivings about the likely timelines of a return to pre-pandemic travel,” Jardine said.

“The CATO community is resilient and will be ready to take Australians to the world’s most wonderful places as soon as they’re ready to travel.”