In a dazzling celebration of a quarter-century of industry leadership, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) marked its 25th anniversary last Thursday with a grand gala dinner at the iconic Sydney Hilton Hotel. The event, a testament to CATO’s enduring influence in the travel sector, brought together over 100 members and industry luminaries, underscoring the association’s pivotal role in shaping the Australian travel landscape.
Sponsored by CATO’s esteemed Platinum Partners – TravelPay, Gow Gates, and MINT Payments – the evening was a celebration and a profound reflection on CATO’s journey since its inception in 1999. For 25 years, CATO has stood as a beacon of innovation and ethical practices within the land supply sector, continuously striving to elevate industry standards, drive sustainable tourism, and advocate for fair practices.
Celebrating Historic Milestones
The anniversary dinner was an opportunity to celebrate CATO’s numerous achievements and unwavering commitment to the travel industry. Over the years, CATO has advocated for critical industry issues, including GST exemptions on international travel, establishing price advertising guidelines with the ACCC, and participating in DFAT’s Smarttraveller Consultative Group. Additionally, CATO played a crucial role in reviewing consumer protection in the travel industry and was heavily involved in the Consumer Travel Support Program (CTSP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their proactive stance ensured that the land supply sector received the necessary support, and they were at the forefront of the Reinvigorating International Travel Program (RITG).
Reflections and Insights
CATO’s Managing Director, Brett Jardine, delivered a compelling speech highlighting the association’s significant contributions and the enduring partnership between tour operators and wholesalers. This relationship predates CATO’s formal establishment six decades ago. Jardine emphasized, “It was such a pleasure to host our members and their guests as we celebrated 25 years of all things CATO. When looking back at all the challenges placed in front of us, we can be very proud of what we have achieved in advocating for Australian-based tour operators and wholesalers.”
From its modest beginnings with fewer than 50 members, CATO now represents over 260 members, reflecting its substantial growth and impact. This expansion is a testament to CATO’s unwavering dedication to supporting its members through innovation and advocacy.
A Night to Remember
One of the evening’s highlights was a fireside chat moderated by CATO Vice Chair Lisa Pagotto. The panel featured CATO Life Member Peter Baily, Chairman Dennis Bunnik, long-serving former board member Greg McCallum from the Entire Travel Group, and current long-term board member Martin Edwards from The Explorer Society. This discussion provided invaluable insights into CATO’s early days, its evolution from an informal networking group to a vital advocate during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its current status as a credible and influential organization.
The evening concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting by Life Member Peter Baily, celebrating CATO’s 25 years of dedication and success in the travel industry. The event was a fitting tribute to an organization that has significantly shaped the travel landscape in Australia.
Looking Ahead
As CATO looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering innovation, advocating for sustainable tourism, and supporting its members through ongoing challenges and opportunities. The association’s 25th-anniversary celebration was not just a reflection on past achievements but a beacon lighting the path forward for continued growth and excellence in the travel industry.
For more information on CATO’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit CATO’s Official Website.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
