The Australian travel industry lost a legend in January, with the passing of Ossie Pitts AM RD, aged 101.
Ossie had a long and distinguished career in the Aussie travel sector, serving as President of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (now the Australian Travel Industry Association) for six years across two terms (1969–71 and 1984–86) and on the AFTA board for another seven years.
A lifelong ATIA member, Pitts also represented AFTA on the board of the world body of travel agents, the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA), for eight years, serving as its President for two non-consecutive years.
In 1987, Ossie ascended to the Chair role at the now-defunct government body, the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF), which was administered to around 3,500 travel agents.
He was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the travel industry in 1988.
After a career at sea, Pitts joined Butler Air Transport in 1956. He later worked at Mercury Travel and retired from Travels World in Crows Nest at the age of 85.
ATIA Chair Christian Hunter acknowledged Pitts’ passing, calling him a “visionary leader whose contributions to travel nationally and internationally were both transformational and enduring”.
“His tireless dedication to ensuring professionalism, integrity and consumer protection continues to resonate within the Australian travel industry today,” Hunter said.
“On behalf of ATIA and the entire travel community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Ossie’s family and friends.”
Rest in peace, Ossie.
