In a strategic move set to elevate the Australian travel industry, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced the election of Christian Hunter as the new Chair. Laura Ruffles and Graham Turner have been appointed as vice-chairs, marking a significant step forward in the association’s leadership and vision for the future.

New Leadership Team to Propel ATIA Forward

Christian Hunter expressed gratitude and enthusiasm upon his election as Chair of ATIA. “It is a great honour and privilege to be elected as ATIA’s Chair and lead such an esteemed Board. I want to acknowledge outgoing Chair, Tom Manwaring, for his outstanding leadership throughout some extremely challenging circumstances,” said Hunter. He praised Manwaring’s dedication and vision, which have left an indelible mark on ATIA and the broader travel industry.

Incoming ATIA Vice Chair Laura Ruffles, Corporate Travel Management.

Hunter emphasized the importance of the new Directors, Brett, Gai, and Rohan, joining the Board. “We are delighted to have such passionate and experienced industry leaders join the Board. Our new Directors all love the industry and are eager to share their expertise and contribute,” he said. Hunter expressed confidence in the Board’s ability to deliver significant benefits for ATIA members moving forward.

Commitment to Industry Excellence and Member Support

Laura Ruffles, the newly elected Vice Chair, expressed her excitement about her role. “It’s my immense privilege to represent our strong and tight-knit Member community as Vice Chair of such an impactful industry body as ATIA,” she said. Ruffles highlighted the dynamic and talented mix of individuals and businesses within the ATIA membership, which drives a vital economic ecosystem in Australia.

Ruffles is passionate about inspiring the next generation and igniting interest in travel careers. “This industry has provided me with incredible opportunities as a working mum, and I am committed to raising awareness around the life-changing experiences you can have in travel,” she shared. Ruffles aims to ensure that all ATIA stakeholders shape the association’s work to maintain a unified front, securing ATIA’s position as a trusted industry body accountable to the highest standards.

Strategic Vision and Collaboration

ATIA Vice Chair Graham Turner, Co-founder, Global MD, & CEO of Flight Centre Limited.

Continuing as Vice Chair, Graham Turner expressed his commitment to shaping the board’s strategic direction. “Working with Christian, Laura, and my fellow ATIA Directors to shape the board’s strategic direction is my priority as we continue to set our Member businesses up for success,” Turner stated. He believes in the power of collaboration to benefit the entire travel industry, from intermediaries to operators across inbound, outbound, and domestic sectors.

Turner emphasized the importance of identifying challenges member businesses face and working together to secure the future prosperity of the Australian travel sector. “Having a united peak industry body in ATIA is crucial to deliver maximum benefits for Members, the wider industry, and the travelling public in terms of choice, quality of service, and price,” he asserted.

A Unified Vision for the Future

Under the new leadership team, ATIA is poised to enhance its engagement and advocacy work, reflecting the vibrant mix of businesses that form its membership base. The association aims to support its members by continuing to elevate its engagement and advocacy efforts, ensuring that the industry’s and its members’ needs are met.

The election of Christian Hunter, Laura Ruffles, and Graham Turner marks a new era for ATIA, characterized by a solid commitment to member support, industry excellence, and strategic collaboration. With their combined experience and passion for the travel industry, the new leadership team is well-positioned to steer ATIA towards a prosperous future, benefitting its members and the wider travel community.

For more information on ATIA’s new leadership and future initiatives, visit the Official Website.

Written by: Michelle Warner

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