The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has again shown that it’s not just walking the walk—it’s sprinting it in tailored RM Williams. With a refreshing dose of fiscal responsibility and good old-fashioned transparency, the association has announced that 99.6% of all membership fees collected in the past financial year were ploughed directly into what matters most: accreditation, advocacy, and member services.
There are no frills or fluff—just a lot of bang for the membership buck.
The announcement, made at ATIA’s 48th Annual General Meeting last week, came with a side of good news: a healthy year-end surplus of $279,238. In a sector still catching its breath post-pandemic, prudent financial stewardship deserves a round of applause—and possibly a standing ovation at the next industry gala.
Chairman Christian Hunter struck a confident tone, telling members:
“Our members should feel confident that their fees are being used exactly where they should be—supporting their businesses through high-impact advocacy, trusted accreditation, and services that make a difference.”
And the numbers don’t lie. Along with that razor-sharp reinvestment rate, ATIA enjoyed a 97.7% membership renewal rate and welcomed 30 new members. That’s no small feat in a landscape where many industry associations struggle to keep members engaged, let alone expanding.
Advocacy in Action
If you thought ATIA was popping out newsletters and hosting cheese-and-bickie meetups, think again. Over the past year, the association turned up the heat in Canberra, fronting two parliamentary inquiries, submitting 15 policy papers, and clocking up more than 250 meetings with government departments and officials. That’s the legwork that makes an impact—not just on policy, but on the real-world lives of Aussie travel agents and tour operators.
Hunter again:
“We’ve built strong financial foundations for ATIA and we’re using those to both deliver for today and prepare for tomorrow. That balance is critical in an industry that’s fast-moving and constantly evolving.”
Strategic Steps Forward
The AGM also reaffirmed ATIA’s commitment to its A30 strategic plan—a roadmap designed to fortify the role of accredited agents and operators in the public and policy arenas. If accreditation once seemed like a dusty badge of honour, ATIA is polishing it up and pinning it front and centre where it belongs.
Board leadership also received a vote of confidence, with Christian Hunter and Graham “Skroo” Turner reappointed as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. New directors Greg O’Neil and Jo Sully join the board, while Toni Ambler steps into the role of Chair.
Hunter paid tribute to both outgoing and continuing board members, noting:
“Together, we’re ensuring ATIA remains a powerful voice and valuable partner for the entire travel industry.”
A Voice for the Future
There’s something hearteningly traditional about an organisation that still believes in accountability, good governance, and putting members first, particularly in an era where corporate lingo can often drown out explicit action. ATIA is bucking that trend, delivering on its promises with the integrity to make your nan proud.
It’s worth remembering, too, that these outcomes didn’t emerge by accident. They result from focused leadership, committed members, and a deep respect for the values that built this industry in the first place—relationships, trust, and shared prosperity.
As Australia’s travel sector continues its slow and steady march into a new era of growth, ATIA appears well-positioned to keep up and lead the way.
In a world overflowing with slogans, it’s nice to see an association backing its words with action, and with 99.6% of its wallet.
By Alison Jenkins
