The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) are set to merge on July 1, creating a unified peak body for the Australian travel industry.
Here’s more reaction from within the travel industry.
“I see the merger between ATIA and CATO as a fantastic outcome for our industry.
I’ve been proudly ATAS accredited for many years and have seen the incredible work ATIA does behind the scenes to support travel businesses, advocate on our behalf and maintain high professional standards across the industry.
As a Board Member of the Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC), I’ve also had the pleasure of gaining a deeper understanding of the work ATIA does for independent travel agents.
Through this involvement, I’ve seen just how much effort goes into government advocacy, consumer protection, industry standards and ensuring independent agents have a strong voice at a national level.
Much of this work isn’t always visible to consumers, but it plays a critical role in protecting both travel businesses and the travelling public.
With the travel industry continuing to evolve – and unfortunately seeing some agencies and travel companies struggle or close their doors – it’s more important than ever to have a strong organisation providing leadership, accountability and representation.
Consumers deserve confidence that the businesses they book with are operating to the highest standards and industry accreditation plays an important role in that.
Bringing ATIA and CATO together creates a stronger, more unified voice for the entire travel industry.
Rather than multiple groups advocating separately, we now have one organisation representing the interests of travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and suppliers.
This creates greater collaboration, reduces duplication and strengthens our industry’s ability to influence positive change.
I believe this is a forward thinking move that will help ensure our industry remains strong, professional and well represented into the future.”
Holly Velardo, HollyDay Travel
“As an ex-travel agency owner this is my view.
The ATIA/CATO merger makes sense from an industry representation perspective. One stronger voice should improve advocacy and reduce duplication.
My concern is that we’re focusing on industry structure while overlooking consumer confidence.
The Travel Compensation Fund gave Australians confidence that their money was protected if a travel company failed. Since its removal, that confidence has never been fully restored.
If the industry wants to win back trust, restoring some form of consumer protection should be high on the agenda.
A stronger industry body is a good start, but consumer confidence is what ultimately drives bookings.”
Rodney Pattison
“I am very pleased and excited about the merger of ATIA and CATO. This brings one strong voice for our industry with great advocates leading the way.”
Lyndall Collins, Travel Advisor, itravel
