Last Thursday, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) delivered its 2nd annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Luncheon.
Bringing together more than 200 industry leaders, influencers, and visionaries, the dynamic event celebrated the achievements of women in travel.
Held in Brisbane at the Calile Hotel, the CATO IWD Luncheon drew a gathering of professionals with the theme of the day as “Our Rising Stars”, that showcased the next generation of female travel industry leaders, on a panel hosted by CATO vice-chair, Lisa Pagotto.
The event also featured a keynote address from renowned Australian author, travel writer, environmentalist, and creative mentor, Nina Karnikowski focusing on being a more mindful traveller.
Brett Jardine, CATO managing director, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s impact, stating: “The success of our IWD Luncheon underscores CATO’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the travel industry. We are delighted to see the positive response from our members and the broader community and are grateful for the support of all of our sponsors.”
Attendees also heard from leading industry figures in Toni Ambler, managing director, TTC Tour Brands and Collette president, Jaclyn Leible-Cote who both laid the foundation for meaningful conversations and connections, reinforcing CATO’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry.
“As CATO continues to champion diversity and recognise the invaluable contributions of women in travel, the IWD Luncheon stands as a testament to CATO’s commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community for all industry professionals,” added Jardine.
