The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has completed the most ambitious structural expansion in its history, saved members up to $100 million in regulatory costs and posted record satisfaction and financial results.
These were the highlights outlined at the association’s 49th Annual General Meeting in Sydney.
Three years into Project A30, ATIA says it has delivered on every structural commitment made at its founding Beyond Borders Summit in 2024.
The ATMC merger brought corporate travel managers formally into ATIA’s structure.
The launch of the Independent Travel Agents Association (ITAA) gave home-based advisers, boutique operators and regional retailers dedicated representation with a genuine role in shaping policy.
The member-approved merger with the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) brings tour operators and wholesalers into the same structure, completing the picture.
ATIA says every segment of Australian travel now sits within a single, coordinated structure and when the organisation engages government, media and the travelling public, it speaks for the whole industry.
In addition, ATIA claims the exclusion of travel agents and tour operators from the Aviation Ombudsman Scheme is the standout advocacy win of 2025/26, delivering an estimated $40 to $100 million in compliance cost savings directly to members.
For many small and independent businesses, these are costs they would not have had the capital to absorb.
ATIA says it achieved this by engaging in four formal consultation rounds, appearing before a Senate Inquiry, making multiple written submissions and maintaining intensive engagement with Ministers and the ACCC until the outcome was secured.
On the topic of accreditation, 28 new businesses joined the ATIA Accredited community while member renewal sat at 98.5 per cent. Some 22 per cent of those who sought accreditation during the year did not meet the required standard and were refused.
Total revenue grew 21 per cent to $3.64 million, driven by strong corporate partnerships and a record National Travel Industry Awards. A net surplus of $279,328 was directed back into reserves, with fee relief extended to members.
Five Directors were returned to the Board: David Smith (Flight Centre Travel Group), Rohan Moss (Helloworld Travel Limited), Toni Ambler (The Travel Corporation), Peter Muller (CT Partners), and Brett Mitchell (Intrepid Travel).
Christian Hunter was confirmed as Chair, with Graham Turner and Toni Ambler continuing as Vice Chairs.
“Revenue up 21 per cent. A surplus that goes straight back into what we offer members. That is what a peak body in good shape looks like and I am enormously proud of what this Board, this team and this membership have built together,” said Mr Hunter.
