The proposed merger of CATO with ATIA will not only offer a much stronger national voice with significantly more impact in Canberra, it will also create a single organisation that will have a lasting impact on members for decades to come.
One peak industry body of travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies is much more of a force than disparate voices banging on the same Federal Treasury door or harassing a variety of premiers’ departments.
The merger, subject to members approval from both camps, will also eliminate duplication and eliminate one set of fees for those who are members of both groups. While not a significant sum, it does come at a time of increasing financial pressure in the industry, as global affairs continue to impact the industry locally. The merger will also allow CATO members to be eligible for ATIA awards, not a small concession either.
While both boards have recommended the merger, it is still up to members to see it through, and we are all for it.
Then there is a further process of electing a new chair to the CATO board. That person will not be Dennis Bunnik who, after having a significant impact with 11 years in the role and 14 years on the board, will step down to refocus on business and other personal pursuits.
After a new chair of the CATO division is appointed – and our bet is that is likely to be Sean Martin of G Adventures – they will then hold a guaranteed seat on the ATIA Board.
While CATO managing director Brett Jardine has stepped aside temporarily to focus on his health, his departure had no bearing on merger as it has been long in the planning. And, along with the rest of the travel industry, we wish Brett all the best in both that pursuit and the lowering of his golf handicap.
On the ATIA side of things, there is the question of board member Katrina Barry who announced her resignation from Webjet Group in March but will remain in the role until a successor is appointed. If she does not return to become an employee or director of a travel company, her role will also need to be filled. Given Gai Tyrell’s departure from the board after becoming regional sales director, Australia and New Zealand, at Fiji Airways, and the resignation of Lisa Pagotto, then we urge that those new recruits should be women.
While managing current and past crises, both in collaboration and separately, it’s time for some fresh blood and a new approach with a united board and administration that will be able to take its members through any future battles.
One stronger body might have a better chance of getting a fairer share of the income that tourism generates to reinvest in an industry that does so much for this great country.
Who is currently on which board
ATIA
Christian Hunter – Chair, CEO, Travellers Choice
Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner – Vice Chair, Flight Centre
Toni Ambler – Vice Chair, The Travel Corporation
Jo Sully – Director, CTM Group
Katrina Barry – Director, Webjet Group
Danielle Russom, Director, BCD Travel
David Smith, Director, Flight Centre Travel Group
Cinzia Burnes, Director, Helloworld Travel
Peter Muller, Director, CT Partners
Rohan Moss, Director, Helloworld Travel Limited
Brett Mitchell, Director, Intrepid Travel
Dean Long, CEO
CATO
Dennis Bunnik – Chair, Bunnik Tours
Sean Martin – Interim Vice Chair, G Adventures
Amanda Highfield – Malaysia Airlines (appointed emeritus board member)
Chris Hall – Globus family of brands
Aaron Zoanetti – General Counsel at Frontera Law
Ingrid Berthelsen – Evolution Travel Collective
Brad McDonnell – Entire Travel Group
James O’Donnell – The Travel Corporation
Martin Edwards – The Explorer Society
