The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) yesterday held their 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at QT Hotel, Sydney, where Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO, provided members with an overview of the organisation’s activity over the last 12 months and confirmed the strong financial position of CATO.
Member support of various projects was acknowledged, including (but not limited to); implementation of industry standard booking terms and conditions, handling of future travel credits, finalising grant applications, developing COVID safe travel protocols and support with mindset change and growth training as the industry emerge from COVID.
During the last 12 months, CATO has prioritised its focus and time on Advocacy work through necessity to drive lobbying for the land-supply sector, as well as education to support the rebuild and recovery of the industry. The ongoing collaborative efforts with AFTA and ATEC has played a major role in securing the 3rd round of government funding from the Consumer Travel Support Program.
“Whilst it has been another challenging year as our industry continued to grapple with the effects of COVID and government-imposed restrictions on our collective businesses, CATO membership numbers have recently exceeded 200 for the first time. We are now also at a point where strong interest and enthusiasm is returning for international travel and members are busier than ever dealing with pent up demand.” said CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine.
Also confirmed at the AGM was the announcement of the CATO Board. With six out of ten board positions this year open for election including the Vice-Chair position. The board members voted onto the board for the next term include confirmation that Lisa Pagotto of Crooked Compass has been elected by CATO Members as Vice-Chair for a 2-year term.
The remaining five board positions have been filled by Aaron Zoanetti, Pointon Partners Lawyers, Brad McDonnell, Entire Travel Group, David Walker, Sno’n’Ski Holidays, Liz Anderson, Sundowners Overland, and Sean Martin, G Adventures.
Dennis Bunnik remains CATO Chair as he is midway through his 2-year term along with board members Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Group, Julie King, Julie King & Associates and James O’Donnell, The Travel Corporation.
CATO Chairman Dennis Bunnik provided members with a positive outlook for the year ahead with the organisation committed to emerge from the pandemic with continued strong member support through investment in additional resources and initiatives.
CATO will also continue to collaborate closely with other industry bodies including AFTA, ATEC and CLIA in areas of mutual benefit.
Front Row L to R: Brett Jardine, CATO, Lisa Pagotto, Crooked Compass, David Walker, Sno’n’Ski Holidays, Dennis Bunnik, Bunnik Tours, Julie King, Julie King & Associates , Liz Anderson, Sundowners Overland, Brad McDonnell, Entire Travel Group
Back Row L to R: Aaron Zoanetti, Pointon Partners Lawyers, James O’Donnell, The Travel Corporation and Sean Martin, G Adventures.
Bunnik said, “I look forward to working in the year ahead with the newly appointed Board, as we emerge from the global pandemic with continued challenges, to ensure we provide much needed support to our members and collaborate to build a more sustainable industry”.
During the event members also heard from Student Educational Travel Organisation Chair, David Walker on how the educational travel sector was rebounding from COVID and from CATO Lawyer and travel law specialist, Aaron Zoanetti, from Pointon Partners Lawyers who addressed areas of concern from members.
The CATO AGM was sponsored by LATAM with Country Manager Chris Ellis showcasing exciting developments with access to South America.
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