The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has welcomed one new member and re-elected five members to the 10-strong board that represents the interests of tour operators and wholesalers supplying domestic and international travel products for the Australian market.
The five re-elected members announced at yesterday’s CATO AGM in Sydney include freshly minted Vice-Chair Lisa Pagotto of Crooked Compass alongside Aaron Zoanetti (Pointon Partner Lawyers), Brad McDonnell (Entire Travel Group), David Walker (Sno’n’Ski Holidays) and Liz Anderson (Sundowners Overland) alongside brand-new board member Sean Martin (G Adventures).
CATO Chair Dennis Bunnik continues in his role with board members Brett Mitchell (Intrepid Group), Julie King (Julie King & Associates) and James O’Donnell (The Travel Corporation).
CATO managing director Brett Jardine confirmed the organisation’s strong financial position with a record 200 members and noted that collaborative efforts with AFTA and ATEC playing a major role in securing government funding from the Consumer Travel Support Program toward the rebuilding and recovery of the industry.
“While it has been another challenging year as our industry continued to grapple with the effects of COVID and government-imposed restrictions on our collective businesses, we are now at a point where strong interest and enthusiasm are returning for international travel and members are busier than ever dealing with pent-up demand,” Mr Jardine said.
Mr Bunnik provided a positive outlook for the year ahead with the organisation committed to emerging from the pandemic with continued strong member support through investment in additional resources and initiatives.
“I look forward to working with the newly appointed board as we emerge from the global pandemic with continued challenges to ensure we provide support to our members and collaborate to build a more sustainable industry,” he said.
To find out more, visit cato.travel