Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Committee Chair Sean Martin has been appointed to the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Board as the Committee’s representative, according to ATIA.
Sean Martin has joined the ATIA Board as the CATO Committee’s representative, adding tour operator and wholesaler expertise to the peak body’s governance table.
For advisors selling touring and wholesale product, the move puts a recognisable sector voice inside ATIA’s strategic direction. As CATO Committee Chair, Martin becomes the connection between the Committee and the Board, carrying the priorities of Australia’s tour operators and wholesalers into the association’s advocacy.
His Board appointment follows his election as Chair at the inaugural meeting of the new CATO Committee, and sits within the governance framework established through CATO’s integration into ATIA on 1 July 2026.
Martin joins Vice Chair Toni Ambler and Director Brett Mitchell in bringing touring-sector experience to the Board, deepening the bench of expertise around the table.
The CATO Committee continues to provide strategic leadership for the touring division, working with the ATIA Board on advocacy and industry collaboration. It sits alongside the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) and the Independent Travel Advisors Association (ITAA), which lead their own sectors within the ATIA structure.
“It is an honour to join the ATIA Board and represent the CATO community as we begin this new chapter together,” says CATO Committee chair Sean Martin.
ATIA chair Christian Hunter says the appointment reinforces the association’s governance model.
“Sean’s appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise around the ATIA Board table, adding to the significant touring experience already provided by Vice Chair Toni Ambler and Director Brett Mitchell,” says Hunter.
“ATIA’s governance model is designed to ensure every part of our industry has a strong voice. Through the leadership of the CATO Committee, the Association of Travel Management Companies and the Independent Travel Advisors Association, we continue to support the unique needs of each sector while bringing that expertise together to shape the future of Australia’s travel industry.”
Martin says the connection between the Committee and the Board is central to the role.
“Australia’s tour operators and wholesalers make an important contribution to our visitor economy, and I look forward to bringing the perspectives of our members to the Board while helping shape the future direction of Australia’s travel industry.”
“CATO has built an incredibly strong community over many years, and I am proud to strengthen the connection between our members, the CATO Committee and the ATIA Board while ensuring our sector continues to thrive within the broader industry,” says Martin.
KARRYON UNPACKS: With CATO now integrated into ATIA, Martin’s seat at the Board table gives tour operators and wholesalers a direct line into the peak body’s advocacy, joining fellow touring voices Toni Ambler and Brett Mitchell.
