The pandemic may have run its course, but its impact is still evident across the travel and tourism sphere. Throw in a regional conflict, global political tensions, cyber hacking, and economic uncertainty, both in Australia and abroad, and the challenges rise further still.
So the Council of Australian Tour Operators’ (CATO) recent Crisis, Risk and Resilience Conference, its first in several years, came at just the right time.
Held in Sydney last week, the conference featured 11 educational sessions designed to inform guests on the steps they can take to help identify and mitigate risks to their businesses.
Speaker, coach and MC Mark Carter got the ball rolling with a presentation on risk scenarios and crisis management, drawing upon his experience as a tour leader with Contiki.
Flight Centre Travel Group Head of People and Culture Allisa O’Connell gave a candid talk on crisis leadership, focusing on the crucial role of data, communication, values, and trust within a team.
Chimu Adventures’ Chad Carey and Meg Hall shared their experience of evacuating hundred of guests from South America early on during COVID-19, flagging connections and communications as key.
Sydney Airport Head of Operations Greg Hay then provided some engaging insights into Sydney Airport’s disaster preparation and emergency plans, flagging the importance of safeguarding your staff through communication, preparedness, and investment.
Ian Gerard of the Consular and Crisis Management Division at DFAT explained the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework whilst outlining specifically the role of DFAT’s dedicated Crisis Centre.
CATO board member and travel law expert Aaron Zoanetti of Pointon Partners spoke of the importance of planning and duty of care to customers, and took on topics like mitigating personal and commercial risk from your daily activity.
Gow Gates Insurance’s Brad Kelly and Michael Truong addressed the value of assessing organisational vulnerability in times of crisis and the importance of insurance.
Other insights
Elsewhere, silver sponsor Ebury Partners gave a session on foreign currency exchange risks, while Rock IT’s Nik Devidas spoke on cyber security, with an emphasis on culture, planning, and data-driven decision-making.
In a panel discussion, industry leaders from sectors including adventure, student, touring, FIT, and youth, explored the changing landscape of travel, from the shift in destination priorities and new technologies to current trends like purposeful travel.
“The positive feedback from our members and the wider industry confirms that our months of planning resulted in a truly insightful and engaging event,” CATO managing director Brett Jardine said.
“We are grateful to all speakers who generously gave up their time to provide valuable insights and planning processes to all attendees.”
CATO recently also secured new government grants for members designed to stimulate two-way international travel.
