The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will give travel industry leaders a firsthand view of the forces shaping airfares, airline choice and competition at the Beyond Borders Travel Summit.
David Cranston, the ACCC’s Executive Director, Airports and Aviation, and Anthony Hilton, Director, Competition Exemptions Branch, will address developments in the domestic and international aviation market, before a fireside discussion with Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
Leaders from across aviation, accommodation, touring, retail travel and government relations will take members through the trends and challenges set to shape their businesses in 2027, from what Canberra is focused on and where hotel capacity is opening up, to what the end of card surcharging means for closing a sale.
“Aviation competition affects the price of almost every itinerary our members sell, and this is a chance to hear the regulator’s thinking first hand,” said Mr Long.
“The rest of the day is built the same way, addressing the issues members tell us they need to know to make the most of their business in 2027.
Beyond Borders 2026 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 9, the day before the National Travel Industry Awards.
Tickets here:
https://atia.eventsair.com/atia-premier-events/
Helloworld Travel is Major Sponsor of Beyond Borders 2026 and ATIA Domestic Airline Partner Virgin Australia will create the Virgin Australia Lounge for delegates to connect, recharge and do business between sessions.
Viking sponsors the NTIA Finalist Celebration that evening at Cargo Hall, South Wharf.
Also on the program:
- The industry outlook for 2027. ATIA Chair Christian Hunter and CEO Dean Long open the summit with what 2026 has taught the industry, the advocacy wins making a difference and how the A30 agenda is evolving.
- What’s next in Canberra. Dean Long and senior association leaders from across travel, tourism, aviation and accommodation on what government is focused on and what businesses should be preparing for.
- Turning complaints into better business. A practical masterclass with ATIA Director of Compliance and Membership Nina Hedges and FCM Travel Solutions’ Manager of Risk Kirsten Window on what complaints reveal about your processes, and how to stop the same issue happening twice.
- No surcharge. No awkwardness. No lost sale. Birds Eye View Consulting Managing Director Nicole O’Sullivan shares how to confidently introduce non-credit-card payment options, keep the conversation focused on value and close the sale without making payment the uncomfortable elephant in the room.
- Where the value is in accommodation. Global hotel intelligence showing where capacity is opening up and which destinations offer the best value for your clients.
- An industry leaders panel. The heads of Australia’s largest travel businesses on traveller expectations, distribution, technology, talent and product, followed by an audience Q&A.
- Touring, the invisible engine. The sector underpinning so much of what the industry sells, and what it means for the businesses selling it.
- The final word. A closing panel on the ideas most likely to shape 2027.
ATIA accredited members will also have access to an exclusive session with ATIA leadership on the Association’s advocacy work with government, regulators and airlines.
