The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has outlined the ways in which it continues to help its members build stronger businesses.
The ATIA Board is overseeing a program of work to protect members’ commercial interests, strengthen industry representation and make it easier to run a successful travel business.
The ongoing focus, through Project A30, is ATIA continuing to evolve alongside its members, as well as delivering practical value through accreditation, business support, industry connections and advocacy.
“Our success is measured not only by what we create, but also by what we prevent,” said Christian Hunter, ATIA Chair.
“Every unnecessary cost avoided, regulatory burden reduced and opportunity created helps our members build stronger businesses.”
Achievements noted:
# Changes that never reach members. ATIA’s advocacy prevented members from being banned from selling travel insurance at the time of booking and secured the removal of retrospective taxation on existing Fiji bookings, protecting them from significant additional costs and regulatory burdens.
# Coordinated response. ATIA’s responses to the conflict in the Middle East and flooding in Nepal showed the value of coordinated industry intelligence, consistent communication and direct engagement with government when disruption occurs.
# Advocacy continues. ATIA challenged the evidence behind the RBA’s surcharge reforms and worked with other industry bodies to represent members’ concerns, but the changes proceeded. ATIA continues to advocate for fairer outcomes while providing practical guidance to help members manage the impact on their businesses.
“Some of our greatest advocacy achievements are the changes that never reach your business,” added Mr Hunter.
“Preventing members from being banned from selling travel insurance and securing the removal of retrospective taxation on existing Fiji bookings have protected them from significant additional costs and regulatory burdens.”
What’s next?
# Accreditation. Automation of existing workflows will simplify applications and renewals and improve access to information, supporting ATIA’s commitment to a 72-hour renewal response by 2027 without compromising standards.
# Commercial intelligence. New industry dashboards will give greater visibility into airline sales, emerging destination trends, passenger movements and aviation capacity. Improved member communications and education, including the CATO Touring Academy, will help members identify opportunities, respond to market changes and plan with greater confidence.
# One stronger voice. With CATO now alongside ITAA and ATMC, each part of the membership retains its identity and expertise while benefiting from stronger collective representation.
“Making accreditation easier and more efficient is driving significant improvements to our systems and processes,” said Mr Hunter.
“Bringing our industry together under one stronger voice is another major priority. The integration of CATO alongside ITAA and ATMC ensures that each part of our membership retains its identity and expertise while benefiting from stronger collective representation.”
