The Australian Travel Industry Association’s Beyond Borders On The Road (BBOTR) series staged its first event at Crowne Plaza Adelaide on 28 July 2025, bringing ATIA’s Beyond Borders panel discussion and networking format nationwide.
Alongside key speakers Roy Morgan’s Head of Travel & Tourism Adele Labine-Romain and ATIA’s CEO Dean Long and Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Ingrid Fraser, major sponsor Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) delivered a destination update.
This supported fellow major sponsor Cathay Pacific’s increased activity in Adelaide and Perth, including what’s driving demand and why Hong Kong is back on the radar of Australian travellers.
HKTB Director Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Karen Macmillan said: “Collaboration is vital in our industry and, through our partnership with ATIA, we’re excited to bring a touch of Hong Kong’s vibrancy, culture and East-meets-West charm to its members.”
Adelaide Airport Head of Aviation Business Development & Commercial Jonathan Cheong made a panel appearance at the Adelaide event to share exclusive insights on recent aviation capacity developments.
“Adelaide Airport hit a record 8.7 million passengers over the past year and we’re looking forward to extra growth with Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, United, Qantas and Air New Zealand all introducing or returning services later this year,” he said.
Perth Airport Chief Commercial & Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove will attend the WA event at Perth Novetel Langley on 30 July 2025 to share her insights as well.
“Perth Airport has just recorded its highest ever annual passenger numbers with 17.48 million passengers travelling through its terminals in FY25, representing an 8.5 per cent increase on last year’s 16.1 million,” she said.
“Perth is a dynamic, expanding hub with incredible growth opportunities and we remain focused on attracting new international airlines.”
BBOTR is a major initiative designed to hear ATIA members’ insights and concerns in person across more locations on several issues, including attracting and retaining the next generation of travel professionals in a panel discussion led by My First Job Founder Cass Champion.
Long said: “The strength of BBOTR lies in its ability to bring the industry together – not just to listen, but to learn, collaborate and lead.”
“With the support of major sponsors Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the involvement of Adelaide and Perth Airports, we’re taking these events to a new level.”
For more info, visit atia.travel
