The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is proud to unveil a powerhouse lineup of partners for its highly anticipated International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 Lunch. Scheduled for Thursday, 6 March 2025, at Q Events, Melbourne, this landmark gathering will celebrate female resilience, leadership, and empowerment in the travel industry.
Under the Brands for a Cause initiative, some of the sector’s most influential names have come together to support the event’s critical mission: highlighting women’s strength, perseverance, and achievements while sparking meaningful conversations on emotional resilience.
A Strong Industry-Wide Alliance
CATO has secured the backing of leading travel brands, each demonstrating unwavering commitment to positive change:
- Chimu Adventures
- Collette
- Destination Canada
- Globus Family of Brands
- G Adventures
- Intrepid
- Julie King & Associates
- On the Go Tours
- NIB Travel
- The Travel Corporation
These industry frontrunners have united to elevate women’s voices, celebrate achievements, and create a lasting impact on gender equality and support networks within the travel sector.
A Defining Theme: Emotional Resilience
This year’s IWD event will spotlight emotional resilience, an essential quality in today’s fast-paced world. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from a stellar lineup of inspirational speakers, including:
- Noémie Fox – Olympic gold medallist, sharing her journey of strength and determination.
- Ashleigh Conwell – CEO of Yellow Falcon, a visionary leader in resilience-building strategies.
- Ingrid Berthelsen – Master of Ceremonies, renowned for her influential leadership in the travel space.
A Mission Beyond the Event
Beyond celebrating achievements, the IWD Lunch will support the Women’s Resilience Centre, a dedicated organisation helping women rebuild their lives after domestic abuse, trauma, and loss. By providing pathways from crisis to recovery, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the event’s theme of resilience and empowerment.
CATO’s Managing Director, Brett Jardine, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support from partners and attendees:
“We are incredibly thankful to our partners who have united for this significant cause. Their commitment not only honours the exceptional women in our industry but also drives the crucial conversation on resilience and the support systems that empower women to thrive.”
A Symbol of Strength and Hope
Attendees are encouraged to wear a touch of yellow, symbolising joy, resilience, hope, and empowerment, as a show of solidarity and support.
This unmissable event will be a defining moment in advancing gender equality in the travel industry. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, reinforcing the growing demand for industry-wide change and celebration of women’s contributions.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit CATO’s official website.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
