Australia’s travel industry is set to operate under a more unified banner after members of both the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a merger.
The historic decision, confirmed at ATIA’s General Meeting on Thursday following CATO’s Extraordinary General Meeting the previous day, will see CATO become a formally constituted division within ATIA from 1 July 2026.
The move brings together travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies under a single peak industry body, creating what both organisations say will be a stronger voice for the sector.
Under the new structure, CATO will operate as the Council of Australian Tour Operators Division within ATIA, with its position protected under the association’s constitution. The division’s chair will also hold a guaranteed seat on the ATIA Board.
The merger is expected to streamline membership arrangements for businesses belonging to both organisations, replacing duplicate memberships, accreditation programs and administrative systems with a single structure.
ATIA Chair Christian Hunter said the merger marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s long-term strategy to ensure all parts of the travel industry have a seat at the table.
“When we launched Project A30, we made a commitment that every segment of this industry would have structured, meaningful representation within ATIA,” Hunter said.
“Today, with CATO members voting yes and our own members confirming that outcome, we deliver it for Australia’s tour operators and land supply sector. The picture is now complete.”
Hunter said a larger, more representative association would strengthen advocacy efforts, industry accreditation and support services for members.
CATO Chair Dennis Bunnik said the merger preserves CATO’s identity while providing members with access to ATIA’s broader resources and influence.
“CATO has built something genuinely special over many years — a tight-knit community, deep sector expertise and an independent voice that has always punched above its weight,” Bunnik said.
“What today adds is the full weight of ATIA’s advocacy, government relationships and national infrastructure sitting behind every one of our members.”
As part of the agreement, CATO’s events calendar will continue for at least two years, while its Touring Academy program will gain access to ATIA’s wider membership base. A dedicated director-level land supply role will also be created within ATIA.
The merger follows ATIA’s recent integration of the Australian Travel Management Company (ATMC) network and the establishment of the Independent Travel Advisors Association (ITAA), further consolidating representation across the travel sector.
With the final votes now cast, the combined organisation will officially begin operating under the new structure from 1 July.
