The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) celebrated another standout year with its sold-out 2025 CATO Christmas Lunch on Thursday 4 December, bringing together industry leaders, partners, and friends for an afternoon of festive fun, connection, and recognition.
Held in Sydney, the event delivered a touching finale to the year, supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), with guests taking part through on-the-day donations and the purchase of personalised Christmas baubles. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, and the event’s Major Co-Sponsors – Abercrombie & Kent, Bunnik Tours, Collette, G Adventures, Inside Travel Group, Intrepid, Keith Prowse Travel, Sun Island Tours, Travel Puglia/Tours of Tuscany - the event, along with ongoing fundraising efforts by CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine - raised almost $40,000 for PCFA - an incredible show of support for a cause close to many in the industry.
Led by the delightful Sofia Geraghty, Deputy Editor of Travel Weekly, who as emcee kept the room buzzing from start to finish a highlight of the day was a special appearance by acclaimed Australian actor and storyteller Gyton Grantley, sponsored by G Adventures. Gyton captivated the audience with behind-the-scenes stories, career reflections, and thoughtful insights delivered with his trademark humour and warmth. Guest enjoyed Latin dancers sponsored by LATAM Airlines and kicked on at the post-event networking drinks, with entertainment sponsored by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers.
Guests were warmly welcomed with a Sri Lankan-themed arrival reception sponsored by Premium Partner, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and CATO were especially honoured to host Her Excellency Ms Yasoja Gunasekera, High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Australia, who joined us for the lunch and connected with members throughout the afternoon.
This year’s lunch was made possible thanks to the tremendous backing of our sponsors and partners across every event element - from tour operator and wholesalers coming together as Major Co-Sponsors to prize donors, entertainment, program supporters, sustainability partners and more. Their commitment to CATO and the wider industry ensures this annual celebration continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events on the trade calendar.
Thank you to our Major Co-Sponsors Abercrombie & Kent, Bunnik Tours, Collette, G Adventures, Inside Travel Group, Intrepid, Keith Prowse Travel, Sun Island Tours, Travel Puglia/Tours of Tuscany), Beverage Sponsor, Xe; Program Sponsor TravelPay; Christmas Tree Sponsor Collette; Table Centrepiece Sponsor Tours of Tuscany/Travel Puglia and Sustainability Partner Reforest. Congratulations to winners on the day who won incredible prizes sponsored by Philippines Airlines, Philippines Tourism and Sheraton Grand.
CATO extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, members, and guests for your enthusiasm and support throughout 2025.
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