The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) today announced that managing director Brett Jardine will step down from his role at the end of this week, following eight years at the helm of the organisation.
Jardine will step away from his position to focus on the final stages of his cancer treatment and to prioritise his health and wellbeing.
During his tenure, Jardine has played a pivotal role in strengthening the touring sector’s position within the broader travel industry. He guided CATO and its members through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 with clear, proactive advocacy, ensuring the voice of tour operators was represented and their critical role well understood within government circles.
A standout achievement during this time was securing government funding for members through the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program, delivering meaningful financial support to help operators rebuild international supply chains and reconnect with global partners post-COVID.
Under his leadership, CATO established its fit-for-purpose Accreditation framework, expanded its flagship industry events, most notably the CATO Christmas Lunch, and developed the award-winning CATO Touring Academy, now a cornerstone initiative supporting education and engagement across the travel industry throughout Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
“It has been a privilege to lead CATO and work alongside such a passionate and committed sector,” Jardine said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident that CATO members are well positioned to deal with what is ahead of them.”
Beyond these industry-wide initiatives, Jardine has been deeply committed to supporting members at an individual level, working closely with operators behind the scenes on a wide range of challenges, from navigating business pressures through COVID to providing guidance, advocacy and genuine, practical support that extended well beyond the public-facing role.
Jardine, who has been open about his prostate cancer journey in recent months, has also been a strong advocate for greater awareness and conversation around men’s health, using his platform to encourage early detection and support others navigating similar journeys. He has been supported by his wife, Lisa Pagotto, who was also a long-serving CATO board member and former vice-chair until August last year.
“This is about focusing my energy where it matters most right now, my health and recovery,” Jardine said. “It has also reinforced for me how important it is that we continue to have open conversations around prostate cancer and men’s health more broadly.”
CATO chair Dennis Bunnik acknowledged Brett’s significant contribution to the organisation and the broader touring sector.
“Brett has been instrumental in shaping CATO into the strong and respected industry body it is today,” Bunnik said. “His leadership through the COVID years ensured our sector remained visible, connected and supported during an incredibly challenging time.
“Importantly, Brett has also been tireless in his direct support of members, often working behind the scenes to help operators navigate complex challenges. On behalf of the Board and our members and me personally I thank Brett for his dedication and commitment over the past eight years and wish him all the very best as he focuses on his health.”
Vocal advocate
CATO thanked Jardine for his leadership and contribution over the past eight years and wishes him well as he focuses on his health. Prior to joining CATO, Jardine headed up Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, following senior roles at APT and Scenic.
CLIA Australasia executive director Joel Katz, currently in the US, praised the contribution Jardine had made to the travel industry as a whole.
“Brett Jardine has led CATO through times of prosperity and through times of challenges, always as a vocal advocate for his members as well as for the wider Australian travel fraternity,” Katz said.
“He has helped raise the standing of the travel industry through his voice to government and in the wider community, and reinforced the importance of education and training as cornerstones of tourism’s success. Brett has been a long-time friend of cruising and to many throughout Australia’s cruise community, and we wish him the very best.”
