The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has updated the member-led committee behind its trusted ATIA accreditation mark, adding four new members to its Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC) in 2026.
Helloworld Travel Group General Manager Cruise Stephen Brady, Stuba Regional Head of Sales Rebecca Day, Frank Ford Travel Owner/Director Kylee Ellerton and Aurora Travel Services Managing Director Judy Tanner will commence a two-year term as other members’ AAC tenure concludes.
Rebecca Day said: “The ATIA accreditation program is a highly valuable one. Consumers need reassurance now more than ever when booking travel, making the promotion of the program increasingly important.”
With more than 48 years’ experience as an advisor, Judy Tanner said she was buoyed by the rise of the industry’s profile post-COVID and looked forward to continuing to champion travel professionals in her new role.
“I want to work to continue this momentum, to encourage training and collaboration amongst each other so that the career of a travel advisor is valued, respected and rewarded appropriately,” she said.
“I am dedicated to this fabulous industry and take my appointment to this committee as a great honour to be part of the future evolution of the travel industry in Australia.”
Scott Darlow (Link Travel Group), Chad Carey(Chimu Adventures & Intrepid Polar) and Gina Norman (RAA) have been reappointed for a second term.
They continue with Chair David Walker (ITC Pacific – Sno’n’Ski) and AAC members Ken Morgan (Two’s A Crowd), Brett Dann (Hunter Travel Group/Helloworld), Lauren Gray (1000 Mile Travel Group) and Karen Deveson (Collette).
ATIA extended its thanks and appreciation to outgoing members Debra Fox (A&K Travel Group) and Steve Hui (iFLYflat), whose significant contributions helped build AAC’s foundation and future growth.
ATIA believes the industry’s future is best shaped by the people who power it every day. This scheduled committee refresh adds new perspectives to ensure the “ATIA Accredited” mark and ATIA accreditation remain the gold standard for professionalism and consumer trust.
AAC Chair David Walker said: “The AAC is the primary vehicle for ensuring ATIA accreditation remains the most representative and robust scheme in Australia.”
“From advising on solvency standards to endorsing landmark changes to the complaints resolution process, this committee ensures ATAS remains an independent, sector-informed forum for resolving claims.”
With three meetings in 2026, AAC will progress the A30 Industry-Led Protection Scheme and ensure accreditation remains fit-for-purpose in today’s market.
Find out more at atia.travel
KARRYON UNPACKS: A refreshed ATIA Accreditation Advisory Committee reinforces industry-led governance, ensuring ATAS accreditation evolves with the market while strengthening consumer trust and elevating the professional standing of Australian travel advisors.
