Council of Australian Tour Operators

Council of Australian Tour Operators CATO is a trade association exclusively representing Australian tour operators & travel wholesalers.

CATO Accredited Members undergo an annual financial assessment. The CATO Touring Academy is dedicated to enhancing travel industry expertise.

CATO members are invited to join our final online information session regarding the proposed merger between CATO and ATI...
26/05/2026

CATO members are invited to join our final online information session regarding the proposed merger between CATO and ATIA ahead of the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 10 June 2026.

Following strong engagement at the recent in-person sessions in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, this session will provide a recap of the key information shared to date, address common questions and offer members a final opportunity to ask questions before the EGM on the 10th.

📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 11:30am AEST

Even if you attended the earlier webinar or one of the face-to-face sessions, we encourage you to join us for this important final update.

A recording will be provided to all members following the session.

Members are encouraged to check their emails for the registration link.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday's webinar -- we really appreciated seeing so many members there....
15/05/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday's webinar -- we really appreciated seeing so many members there.

Want to continue the conversation in person? We are coming to you:
Sydney - Tuesday 19 May
Brisbane - Thursday 21 May
Melbourne - Friday 22 May

Come along, ask your questions, and make sure you are ready to vote at the CATO EGM on 9 June. Registration details in your member communications.

We are also looking at organising a virtual session for anyone who cannot make the in-person meetings, and members will be advised of the date and time once confirmed.

A message on behalf of Skål International Sydney:HOW EXPOSED IS YOUR TRAVEL BUSINESS?You may think you are fully covered...
06/05/2026

A message on behalf of Skål International Sydney:

HOW EXPOSED IS YOUR TRAVEL BUSINESS?

You may think you are fully covered by insurance, but are you really? Are you willing to bet your house on it?

The rise of Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors working directly with international DMCs has left most agencies and advisors financially exposed. A simple audit has found that many who think they are well-covered are, in fact, exposed to financial ruin should the unforeseen happen.

Join Skål International and hear from three industry experts about managing risk in tourism businesses, business insurance and an innovative new approach to travel insurance.

Guest Speakers:

• Brad Brooks, Travel Industry Partnership Manager, PassportCard
Introducing the award-winning PassportCard, an innovative new approach to travel insurance enabling travellers to cover medical expenses, stolen cash, and delayed luggage on the spot, without being left out of pocket. Learn how more of your clients can be covered with PassportCard's unique approach to pre-existing medical conditions and no age limit.

• Lori Modde, Vice Chair, NSW Tourism Association
Lori will provide an overview of how effective risk management not only helps safeguard businesses against potential threats - such as natural disasters, economic shifts, reputational damage, and health crises - but also contributes to long-term sustainability and resilience of tourism businesses.

• Rebecca Fleming, Client Manager - Tourism & Travel, Lockton Companies Australia
Is your approach to insurance putting your business at risk? Rebecca will share expert insights on securing fit-for-purpose business insurance - ensuring your assets, operations, and reputation are protected with the right coverage tailored to your tourism & travel business needs.
A two-course lunch and welcome beverage are included with your ticket.

Skål International Sydney looks forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 13 May 2026!

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/skal-international-sydney-may-2026

After eight years leading CATO, this week we say thank you to our Managing Director, Brett Jardine.It’s hard to put into...
17/04/2026

After eight years leading CATO, this week we say thank you to our Managing Director, Brett Jardine.

It’s hard to put into words the impact Brett has had on our organisation and on the touring sector more broadly.

Through some of the most challenging years our industry has ever faced, Brett led with clarity, determination and a genuine commitment to ensuring tour operators were heard, supported and never left behind. His advocacy during COVID, and the outcomes he helped secure for members, will have a lasting legacy.

But beyond the milestones and achievements, what many members will remember most is the way Brett showed up - always willing to take a call, offer guidance, and work through challenges alongside you. Much of that work happened quietly, behind the scenes, but it made a real difference to so many businesses.

Brett has also been incredibly open in sharing his own health journey, helping to encourage important conversations around men’s health and early detection.

On behalf of the CATO team, our Board and our members, thank you Brett, for your leadership, your care, and your unwavering commitment to this sector.

We wish you all the very best as you focus on your health and recovery. You will be greatly missed.

We’re pleased to welcome new CATO member Eclipse Travel 🌏 is an Australian owner-run company specialising in unique and ...
10/04/2026

We’re pleased to welcome new CATO member Eclipse Travel 🌏

is an Australian owner-run company specialising in unique and remote destinations, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa and the Americas. They focus on creating tailor-made journeys designed around each client’s interests, travel dates and budget.

With a strong commitment to responsible tourism, their approach is grounded in respect for the environments and communities they work within - helping travellers experience some of the world’s most remarkable places in a thoughtful and considered way.

Find out more: http://www.eclipsetravel.com.au/

Welcome to the CATO community 🤝

We’re delighted to welcome new CATO member Hosted Holidays 👏Hosted Holidays specialises in fully hosted group tours from...
25/03/2026

We’re delighted to welcome new CATO member Hosted Holidays 👏

Hosted Holidays specialises in fully hosted group tours from Australia, offering both international and domestic experiences. Each tour is led by an experienced host who travels with the group (primarily departing from Brisbane), ensuring a seamless and supported journey from start to finish.

With group sizes tailored to each destination, their approach combines convenience, connection and confidence for travellers every step of the way.

You can learn more about their offerings here: www.hostedholidays.com.au

Welcome to the CATO community Hosted Holidays

Nearly 200 tour operators, wholesalers and travel professionals came together in Brisbane yesterday for the sold-out CAT...
10/03/2026

Nearly 200 tour operators, wholesalers and travel professionals came together in Brisbane yesterday for the sold-out CATO International Women’s Day Lunch, celebrating the contribution of women across the touring sector.

Held at The Calile Hotel, the event continues to grow each year and has quickly become a favourite on the CATO calendar. It’s a chance for the touring community to step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with colleagues and recognise the women shaping our industry.

Guests heard from keynote speaker Nicole Joy, confidence expert, TEDx speaking coach and founder of the SHE Speaks Academy. Her presentation, Visibility isn’t Vanity, it’s Responsibility, encouraged women to step forward and own their voice.

As Nicole told the room:
"Now is not the time to hide and be humble if you want to be a trailblazer in your industry."

The afternoon was hosted by Charlie Trevena from Destination Webinars and also featured a beautiful live performance by Australian violinist and PhD student Maddisyn Dixon Whitbourne.

Thank you to the organisations who helped make the event possible:
Sisterhood Women’s Travel (Major Sponsor), Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, TravelPay, Stuba, Entire Travel Group and Bunnik Tours, with prizes from Spree with Me, Philippines Tourism and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

A great afternoon with the touring community and a reminder of the talent, leadership and perspective women bring to this industry.

25/02/2026

Only 15 tickets remain for the 2026 CATO International Women’s Day Lunch — and we would love to see you in the room.

Join us on Tuesday 10 March at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane for an afternoon designed to connect our industry and leave you genuinely inspired.

Guiding the conversation will be MC Charlie Trevena from Destination Webinars, bringing her trademark warmth and industry insight. Our keynote speaker, Nicole Joy, will challenge and inspire with her message that visibility isn’t vanity — a powerful conversation about confidence, leadership and stepping forward in today’s professional world.

We’ll also be treated to a special live performance by Maddisyn Dixon Whitbourne, proudly supported by our Entertainment Sponsor, Entire Travel Group.

And there’s more — one lucky guest will win a James Street Shopping Tour with a personal stylist, generously donated by Spree with Me. It’s a fabulous prize and the perfect excuse to stay until the very end.

If you’ve been meaning to book, now is the time.

Secure one of the final tickets here:
https://www.cato.travel/IWD2026/

With thanks to our valued sponsors:
Major Sponsor – Sisterhood Womens Travel
Dessert Sponsor – Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers
Photo Activation Sponsor – TravelPay
Entertainment Sponsor – Entire Travel Group
Prize Sponssor - Spree with Me

23/02/2026

✨ A little extra reason to join us at the CATO International Women’s Day Lunch…

We’re thrilled to share that Spree with Me has generously donated two incredible lucky door prizes for this year’s event.

🎁 PRIZE 1 – James Street Brisbane Shopping & Styling Tour for Two (Value $1,050)
A glamorous inner-city tourism experience combining personal styling, shopping and destination storytelling. The winner and their guest will receive a personal style consultation - discovering their signature style, best shapes and colours — before exploring one of Australia’s most stylish fashion precincts. Each tour is curated to your tastes and can include gourmet cuisine, bubbly and more.

🎁 PRIZE 2 – Online Course: Curate Your Personal Style (Value $497)
Second prize is a place in Imogene’s upcoming online course, offering guided support and private style consultation feedback to help you define your signature style and build a wardrobe with clarity and intention - perfect for those outside Brisbane or wanting expert guidance from home.

You have to be in the room to win.

With only a handful of tickets remaining for the 2026 CATO International Women’s Day Lunch, now is the time to book.

Secure your ticket here:
www.cato.travel/iwd2026

23/02/2026

At CATO, we champion the interests of Australian tour operators and wholesalers, ensuring the highest standards in travel experiences. Our members are committed to integrity, professionalism, and innovation in the tourism sector. Learn more about our members, or becoming a member, at www.cato.travel

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