The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is searching for tour guides who will take the microphone for the star panel at the 2026 CATO Travel Industry Christmas Lunch.
CATO will stage a tour guide panel called Tales from the Road as the centrepiece of its Christmas lunch, in front of more than 500 travel professionals at Le Montage, Lilyfield, Sydney, on Thursday 3 December.
The guides will reveal the funny, unexpected and unforgettable moments that happen behind the scenes of life on tour.
CATO is asking tour operators to put forward their best storytellers, encouraging them to send in a one-minute video of their best anecdotes for the chance to win a spot on the panel.
CATO wants the people who deliver the product in front of the people who sell it. Members are encouraged to think of guides already scheduled to be in Australia and free on the day. This year’s theme is Sparkle & Shine, with guests asked to arrive in festive cocktail attire.
Each one-minute entry video must tell CATO who the guide is and what company they work for, why they belong on the Tales from the Road panel, and why 500 people will laugh at their stories.
Selected guides arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation.
“Touring creates some of the most extraordinary and life-enriching travel experiences.” ATIA director of CATO & education Mira Yates said. “And who better to showcase the power of our sector than the guides who bring those experiences to life every single day?”
Interested guests can purchase tickets and tables for the event on CATO’s website.
