The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced the appointment of Sean Martin as Chair of the newly formed CATO Committee.
The Managing Director of G Adventures Australia and New Zealand takes over the role from Dennis Bunnik following CATO’s merger with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
Aaron Zoanetti, Frontera Law and Green & Gold Army, has been appointed Vice Chair.
The CATO Committee replaces the former CATO Board of Directors and will continue to provide strategic leadership and advocacy for Australia’s touring and wholesale community within the broader ATIA framework.
This week, CATO members also elected three new members to join the Committee:
- Michelle Davies, Club Med
• Shelley Poten, Albatross Tours
• Yvette Thompson, Intrepid Travel Group
They join existing Committee members:
- Brad McDonnell, Entire Travel Group
• James O’Donnell, The Travel Corporation
• Aaron Zoanetti, Pointon Partners
• Chris Hall, Globus Family of Brands
• Ingrid Berthelsen, Evolution Travel Collective
Mr Martin said the new Committee represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the voice of the touring sector while contributing to the broader travel industry agenda.
“The merger with ATIA provides our sector with a stronger platform and greater influence than ever before,” he added.
“As Chair of the CATO Committee, I look forward to ensuring the interests of tour operators and wholesalers remain front and centre as we work together to grow and strengthen Australia’s travel industry.
“CATO has built a strong legacy as the voice of Australia’s touring industry. Our role now is to build on that foundation and ensure our members continue to have a dedicated forum and strong representation within a united industry body.”
Sue Badyari with Sean Martin
At the organisation’s annual dinner, Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions Travel Group, and Mr Bunnik, Joint CEO of Bunnik Tours, were inducted into the CATO Hall of Fame, recognising their outstanding and enduring contribution to Australia’s touring sector.
“Dennis’s contribution to Australian touring has been immense,” commented Mr Martin.
“Through more than a decade of leadership at CATO, he helped guide the sector through unprecedented challenges, strengthened our collective voice and always placed the interests of the broader industry first.”
The CATO Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals whose leadership, innovation and service have shaped the Australian travel industry and left a lasting legacy.
“Sue has been a pioneer of responsible and regenerative tourism, demonstrating that travel can create positive outcomes for communities and the environment while building a world-class business,” said Mr Martin.
“Her leadership has influenced not only World Expeditions but the wider industry.”
Brett Jardine (left) with Dennis Bunnik
Brett Jardine was awarded life membership of CATO. The former Managing Director stepped away from the role recently to focus on his health.
Main image: New CATO Chair Sean Martin (second from left) with board members and CATO staff
