Brad McDonnell, Managing Director of Entire Travel Group, will join ATIA’s Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC) as ATIA continues to deliver on the CATO/ATIA Merger Deed.
The Deed required CATO to appoint an interim member to the AAC until the next appointment window in 2027. CATO will then review nominations and recommend to the ATIA Board.
“Having spent my travel career in wholesale distribution and working closely with tour operators and travel agents, I’ve seen first hand the value of strong industry standards and trusted local partnerships,” said Mr McDonnell.
“That’s why accreditation matters to me and it’s why I’m so pleased to be bringing additional insights from the CATO membership’s experience into this work.”
The AAC is chaired by David Walker with Gina Norman serving as Vice Chair. Other Committee members are: Brett Dann, Lauren Gray, Karen Deveson, Scott Darlow, Chad Carey, Rebecca Day, Stephen Brady, Kylee Ellerton, and Judy Tanner.
The AAC is the primary body guiding ATIA’s accreditation scheme, advising on standards from solvency requirements to complaints resolution.
It played a central role in the review of the ATAS Charter and Code, working with state and territory governments, the Consumer Federation of Australia and CHOICE.
ATIA Accredited, the travel sector’s peak accreditation program, distinguishes travel businesses that meet and exceed the industry’s highest standards.
Accreditation is contingent on strict criteria, including review of business models, compliance with Australian Consumer Law, indemnity insurance verification, workforce qualification standards, annual financial reviews, director checks and a robust consumer complaints process.
“As more foreign-based DMCs and travel businesses enter the Australian market, accreditation is becoming an increasingly important point of distinction,” added Mr McDonnell.
“The merger of CATO into ATIA gives our industry the opportunity to come together under a common accreditation framework, with suppliers and travel agents working together and being held to the same standards.
“It also means we can speak with one voice about what accreditation means and the standards that underpin it.
“That matters when agents are choosing the suppliers they trust and partner with and ultimately gives consumers greater confidence in the businesses behind their travel arrangements.”
Travellers can find an ATIA Accredited travel professional at traveltick.com.au.
