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image courtesy: Austria Tourism, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Karten/ Franz Gerdi
Close to 200 tour operators, wholesalers and travel professionals gathered in Brisbane this week for the sold-out Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) International Women’s Day Lunch, recognising the contribution of women across the touring sector.
Held at The Calile Hotel, the fourth annual event has become a fixture on the CATO calendar, bringing the touring community and their guests together for an afternoon of industry discussion and networking.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said the strong attendance reflected the importance the sector places on recognising the role women play across the industry.
“The touring sector relies on the experience, leadership and perspective of women across many areas of the industry, from new entrants through to senior executives and entrepreneurial owners,” Jardine said.
Attendees were treated to an inspiring keynote from Nicole Joy, confidence expert, TEDx speaking coach and founder of the SHE Speaks Academy, challenging women to step forward and embrace leadership through her presentation - Visibility isn’t Vanity, it’s Responsibility. Joy had the audience glued to every word as she pressed home a message stating; “Now is not the time to hide and be humble if you want to be a trailblazer in your industry.”
The event was hosted by popular travel industry personality Charlie Trevena, founder of Destination Webinars, who reminded guests International Women’s Day is also about recognising progress.
Guests were also treated to a live performance by Australian violinist and PhD student Maddisyn Dixon Whitbourne.
CATO acknowledged the organisations that supported the event. Sisterhood Women’s Travel joined as Major Sponsor, with additional support from Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, TravelPay, Stuba, Entire Travel Group and Bunnik Tours. Prize sponsors included Spree with Me, Philippines Tourism and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
The event continues to grow each year, reinforcing its place on the travel trade calendar as an opportunity for the touring community to connect and recognise the contribution of women across the sector.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has issued guidance to members in response to ongoing airspace disruptions across parts of the Middle East, encouraging proactive operational planning and early communication with distribution partners.
While many CATO-accredited tour operators do not manage international air ticketing directly, Managing Director Brett Jardine said the downstream impact on destination operations could be significant.
“This is primarily an operational continuity issue for tour operators. Delayed arrivals, split groups and itinerary adjustments can create commercial and logistical pressure if not managed early,” Jardine said.
CATO has advised members to review upcoming departures, confirm passenger air status with distribution partners, prepare for staggered arrivals and revisit contractual provisions relating to minimum numbers and cancellations.
The organisation emphasised the importance of measured communication.
“Our advice to members is to remain calm, avoid speculation and focus on documentation and preparedness. Tour operators are experienced in managing disruption, and proactive coordination with partners will minimise impact,” Jardine said.
CATO is attending a formal update with DFAT early this afternoon and will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as required.
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.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Managing Director, Brett Jardine, recently met with Shadow Minister for Tourism, Kevin Hogan MP.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Mr Hogan to seek CATO’s perspective on a new initiative emerging on the national agenda, aimed specifically at supporting Australian-based tour operators and wholesalers. While details of the initiative are yet to be formally announced, CATO welcomed the chance to contribute early insights on behalf of the sector.
“Tourism is traditionally a bipartisan portfolio, with both sides of politics recognising the critical role the industry plays in the Australian economy. While policy approaches may differ, the commitment to a strong and sustainable tourism sector remains consistent across the political spectrum,” said Jardine.
“This engagement reflects CATO’s targeted and authoritative advocacy on behalf of outbound tour operators and wholesalers. As the only organisation dedicated exclusively to this part of the industry, CATO is uniquely positioned to articulate the sector’s value with its deep product development expertise, its investment in outbound leisure travel, its strong partnerships with retail agents, and the more than $12 billion it contributes to the Australian economy each year, added Jardine
Through their specialist focus and proven credibility, CATO is increasingly being sought out by policymakers for informed guidance on issues that directly affect our members. This emerging initiative is no exception, and CATO’s input will help ensure that the unique needs and contributions of tour operators and wholesalers are properly recognised in the national conversation.
CATO will be providing a formal contribution to this important project and will continue to engage closely as it develops.
CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine, attended the 48th Parliamentary Friends of Tourism event in Canberra, hosted by Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and attended by the Prime Minister of Australia.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for senior tourism industry leaders, parliamentarians, and key stakeholders to connect and celebrate the strength and diversity of Australia’s tourism industry.
As the voice that exclusively represents Australia’s tour operators and wholesalers, CATO’s participation ensured the outbound sector was well represented in national tourism discussions.
“Events like this allow for productive and informal conversations with politicians and senior bureaucrats,” said Brett Jardine. “It’s an opportunity to provide them with updates, analysis, and insights on the current status and emerging trends shaping Australia’s outbound leisure travel sector.”
CATO remains committed to ensuring the interests and perspectives of tour operators and wholesalers are clearly understood at the highest levels of government, reinforcing the sector’s essential role in driving international engagement and economic growth.
At the invitation of His Excellency Hani Naji, Ambassador of Egypt to Australia, CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine attended the virtual grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) at the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra.
The live-streamed event connected diplomats, dignitaries, and travel industry representatives in Australia with the global ceremony in Cairo, marking the long-awaited official opening of the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation.
“CATO and the Egyptian Ambassador have been working closely over the last couple of years to promote Egypt as a safe, accessible and desirable destination for Australian travellers,” said Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO. “The Grand Egyptian Museum represents a new era for cultural tourism and strengthens Egypt’s position as a must-visit destination.”
The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Pyramids of Giza, showcases more than 100,000 artefacts spanning Egypt’s history, including the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. With its state-of-the-art design, education facilities and conservation labs, GEM is set to redefine Egypt’s tourism experience.
The opening underscores the growing partnership between Egypt and the Australian travel industry and highlights new opportunities for collaboration across culture, trade and tourism.
Yes, that’s right. We won!!!! We’re delighted to share that the CATO Touring Academy was awarded the winner of the 2025 National Travel Industry Awards for Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Program on Saturday evening.
Launched in 2024, the Academy continues to strengthen industry knowledge and confidence in selling land-based touring, and this recognition is a great acknowledgement of its impact so far.
Learn more about the Academy here.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) today announced the appointment of Sean Martin, Managing Director of G Adventures (ANZ), as interim Vice Chair, effective immediately. Martin steps into the role following the resignation of Lisa Pagotto from the CATO Board last month and will serve through to CATO’s 2026 AGM when the role will be formally open for re-election.
CATO Chair Dennis Bunnik welcomed the appointment, highlighting Martin’s deep industry experience across small-group adventure travel, sustainability and trade partnerships.
“Sean brings a sharp commercial lens and a genuine commitment to responsible travel - exactly what our sector needs as demand continues to evolve,” said Dennis Bunnik, Chair of CATO.
“On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome him as interim Vice Chair. I also want to thank Lisa Pagotto for her energy and contribution to CATO’s work; we wish her every success.”
Martin said he is looking forward to supporting members and advancing CATO’s priorities.
“I am honoured to step into the Vice Chair role at CATO and look forward to working closely with our larger and smaller members across our sector. I've always been incredibly passionate about industry unity, and at this time, it has never been more crucial. I believe that by coming together, we can drive growth and innovation in the land supply category. Collaboration will ensure we deliver exceptional travel experiences and help shape the future of touring and wholesale for Australian travellers.”
Travel agents looking to match clients with the perfect holiday experience now have a powerful new tool at their fingertips. The CATO Touring Academy has introduced an enhanced directory that allows agents to search for tour operators based on touring style.
Whether it’s a family seeking their next adventure, clients looking for a touch of luxury, or travellers wanting a specific niche experience, CATO’s Touring Academy makes it easy to see which CATO Member Brands deliver the style of touring required.
“This feature gives agents a simple, time-saving way to connect their clients with the right product,” said Brett Jardine, Managing Director. “It highlights the breadth and expertise of our members across the land supply sector, ensuring travellers receive high-quality, trusted touring experiences.”
The Touring Academy is the industry’s central hub for professional learning, product knowledge, and resources tailored to land supply. With this latest update, it also becomes a go-to directory for helping travel professionals align client preferences with the diverse range of CATO member offerings.
For more information, visit www.cato.travel/touring-academy.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is proud to reveal the September Top 20 Touring Agents, celebrating the most engaged learners in the CATO Touring Academy over the past month.
This month’s leaderboard welcomes several newcomers and shows just how competitive the Academy has become, with independent agencies and major retail groups going head-to-head right across the country.
Highlights from the September leaderboard
Congratulations to our winners CATO is pleased to announce the two randomly selected winners from the July, August, and September leaderboards, who will each receive a free ticket to the CATO Christmas Lunch on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park:
Additionally, Rosemary Spiteri - The Curated Traveller wins a ticket as the top placeholder.
CATO congratulates all of September’s Top 20 and applauds their commitment to growing their touring expertise through the Academy’s 60+ modules spanning destinations, brands and niche styles.
Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director, said:
“September’s results are among the most competitive we’ve seen. It’s fantastic to see new names stepping up alongside familiar high performers, all focused on delivering better touring outcomes for their clients. Congratulations to Rosemary, Maria and Abby on winning their Christmas Lunch tickets, and to all of our September Top 20.”
