Australia’s independent travel agents and advisors now have a formal voice in national industry leadership.
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) have announced the inaugural members of the Independent Travel Agents Association (ITAA), which has been two years in the making.
Eleven travel professionals from across the country spanning home-based agencies, boutique independents, regional retailers and specialist operators have been appointed to the committee that will feed directly into ATIA’s policy, advocacy and strategic direction.
“We launched ITAA to make sure that every sector of the industry has representation and a voice in the direction of the association,’’ said Dean Long, ATIA CEO.
“Announcing the inaugural membership today is a proud moment. These are experienced, dedicated professionals who will make the committee stronger from day one.”
Under ATIA’s A30 strategic plan, the association committed to ensuring every segment of the travel industry had structured, meaningful representation and a genuine role in shaping outcomes including through dedicated Board-level responsibilities for each member segment.
ITAA mirrors the recently announced partnership with the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC).
ITAA will meet a minimum of twice per year, publish a communique within 21 days of each meeting and report annually against agreed KPIs.
Members are appointed for two-year terms, with the inaugural committee structured for continuity through staggered appointments.
The inaugural ITAA members are:
- Robyn Sinfield – Home Travel Company (Tasmania)
- Julia van Huisstede – italktravel & Cruise The Junction (New South Wales)
- Brian Conway – Bonaventure Travel (Western Australia)
- Felicity Dascomb – Helloworld Pursers Travel Group (Queensland)
- Peta Godfrey (above) – Travel Focus Group (New South Wales)
- Emma Whiting – Emma Whiting Travel (Victoria)
- Sonia Jones – Sonia Jones Travel (Queensland)
- Paul Pearman – Helloworld Travel Gisborne (Victoria)
- Sandy Chen – Suncatcher Holidays
- Mandi Forrester-Jones – Viva Travel / Viva Destination Weddings
- Mario Paez – Planetdwellers
- Nicole King – Holiday and Cruise Centre (Victoria)
“These eleven professionals represent the full breadth of the independent sector – home-based, regional, boutique and specialist,” added Mr Long.
“They bring front-line experience that no submission or survey can replace. ITAA will make ATIA’s advocacy sharper and our industry stronger.”
“It is always better to be at the table reflecting the views that need to be heard,” said Mario Paez (main image), Planetdwellers.
“By representing independent agencies through ITAA, we can move beyond individual hurdles and create a robust, shared framework.
“I’m ready to do the work to ensure our collective voice is not just heard but acted upon.”
“As our industry continues to evolve, it is important that independent agents are represented by voices who understand the day-to-day realities, contributing honest, practical insight that drives positive change and strengthens the future for independent agents,” said Peta Godfrey, Travel Focus Group.
ATIA-accredited travel agents and tour operators can find out more about ITAA at the ATIA website.
