The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has appointed G Adventures Australia and New Zealand managing director Sean Martin as Chair of the newly formed CATO Committee, following CATO’s merger with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
Sean Martin steps into the role as the touring sector enters a new structure, with the CATO Committee replacing the former CATO Board of Directors and operating within the broader ATIA framework.
He succeeds outgoing Chair Dennis Bunnik, who led CATO for more than a decade.
Aaron Zoanetti, of Frontera Law and the Green & Gold Army, has been appointed Vice Chair.
What the Committee will do
The CATO Committee will continue to provide strategic leadership and advocacy for Australia’s touring and wholesale community, now sitting under the merged ATIA structure.
CATO remains the peak body representing Australian-based tour operators and travel wholesalers, including its sector-specific accreditation program for members.
Who sits on the new Committee?
This week, CATO members elected three new members to the Committee: Michelle Davies of Club Med, Shelley Poten of Albatross Tours, and Yvette Thompson of Intrepid Travel Group.
They join existing members Brad McDonnell (Entire Travel Group), James O’Donnell (The Travel Corporation), Aaron Zoanetti (Pointon Partners), Chris Hall (Globus Family of Brands) and Ingrid Berthelsen (Evolution Travel Collective).
What Martin says about the role
Martin said the merger gives the touring sector a stronger platform from which to advocate. His appointment comes as G Adventures continues to expand its commitments, recently launching its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
“The merger with ATIA provides our sector with a stronger platform and greater influence than ever before. As Chair of the CATO Committee, I look forward to ensuring the interests of tour operators and wholesalers remain front and centre as we work together to grow and strengthen Australia’s travel industry.”
He also paid tribute to Bunnik for his leadership over the past decade.
“CATO has built a strong legacy as the voice of Australia’s touring industry. Our role now is to build on that foundation and ensure our members continue to have a dedicated forum and strong representation within a united industry body.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: The chair handover puts a recognisable touring name at the head of the sector’s voice inside ATIA, a shift that matters to wholesalers and tour operators wanting their interests protected in the merged body. With three new faces joining the Committee, it also signals continuity for the advisors who sell CATO-accredited products.
