The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the New Zealand Outbound Travel Suppliers Association (NZOTSA) have taken a significant step in strengthening their regional presence by finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two industry bodies. The partnership seeks to explore areas of mutual benefit and cooperation across Australia and New Zealand, with a particular focus on the land supply sector.

The MOU, signed during a meeting in Auckland, marks an exciting new chapter in the travel industry’s post-pandemic recovery. Both parties believe that sharing intellectual property and services will generate numerous synergies, leading to tangible benefits for members and the wider region.

According to CATO’s Managing Director, Brett Jardine, the MOU provides a solid foundation for further expansion in the land supply sector across Tasman. Jardine stated, “As our sector of the travel industry continues to rebound at a rapid pace, the MOU puts in place the groundwork to allow further expansion of the land supply sector across the Tasman.”

The NZOTSA Chairman, Joe O’Sullivan, confirmed that the MOU’s primary intent is to explore, discuss and develop areas of mutual benefit for members across each organisation and the region in general. The MOU’s focus is on advocacy efforts, member education, research, trade distribution, administrative capability, and networking opportunities.

Both CATO and NZOTSA have been proactive in driving industry advocacy, developing members’ educational programs, and supporting travel businesses’ operational excellence. The partnership will allow them to build on this success, with a particular emphasis on expanding the land supply sector’s capacity across the region.

The MOU also recognizes the need for continued collaboration, given the fluid nature of the travel industry. The partnership between CATO and NZOTSA sets a positive precedent for regional cooperation, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to supporting each other’s growth and success.

In conclusion, the MOU signed between CATO and NZOTSA marks an exciting milestone for the travel industry, offering significant opportunities for members across both organisations and the wider region. As the industry continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact, the partnership between these two leading industry bodies will help drive growth, operational excellence, and advocacy for the travel sector’s long-term success.

Written by: Stephen Peters

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