The Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC) has just gained a serious injection of industry expertise with appointment of Kellie Stanbury, General Manager of Helloworld Business Travel, and Barry Mayo, former Director of House of Travel Holdings N.Z. and Chair of TravelManagers Australia, to its advisory board.
Rick Myatt, CEO of the not-for-profit organisation, couldn’t have been more thrilled, saying, “They both bring a wealth of experience in different activities of the industry, understand unique skill sets related to their areas, and are full of enthusiasm to assist in promoting [travel] industry careers.
“These are the professionals with extensive knowledge and passion we need to help us steer the strategic direction going forward in the industry workforce development.”
So, what exactly is the ATCC, and why does this matter? Let’s dive in.
The ATCC’s mission: Building travel careers from the ground up
Since its inception in 2011, the ATCC has focused on bridging the gap between education and employment in the travel and tourism industry. Think of it as a matchmaker for travel industry careers — spotting talent early and helping it thrive. The organisation works closely with schools and VET colleges, particularly in regional and rural Australia, to shine a spotlight on the diverse career opportunities available in the travel sector.
One standout initiative is the Travel Ambassador program, which introduces young talent to the industry and nurtures their journey into travel careers.
The ATCC also plays a critical advocacy role, scrutinising federal and state government policies to ensure they meet the ever-evolving skill demands of the travel workforce.
Kellie Stanbury: Corporate savvy meets passion for development
With over two decades of experience under her belt, Kellie Stanbury knows her way around the corporate travel landscape. As General Manager of Helloworld Business Travel, she’s a pro at navigating the complexities of corporate travel management.
Stanbury’s expertise extends beyond operations; she has a keen eye for workforce development. Joining the ATCC Advisory Board is a natural fit for her passion for guiding the next generation of travel professionals.
“Kellie’s background makes her a perfect addition to our mission,” says Myatt.
Barry Mayo: A seasoned industry leader with vision
Barry Mayo’s name is one that carries weight in Australasian travel circles. His tenure as Director of House of Travel Holdings N.Z. and Chair of TravelManagers Australia has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
A true advocate for travel careers, Mayo has long been committed to fostering innovation and talent in the industry. His hands-on experience in retail travel and strategic leadership gives him a unique perspective that will undoubtedly enrich the ATCC’s initiatives.
Shaping the future workforce
Both Stanbury and Mayo join the ATCC advisory board at a crucial time. The travel industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the demands on its workforce. The ATCC ensures that national training systems, such as the SIT Training Package for Tourism, Travel & Hospitality, reflect the current and future needs of the industry. Through its work with bodies like the *obs & Skills Council and NSW Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), the ATCC is instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact travel professionals.
But beyond the policy, it’s about people. The ATCC is dedicated to keeping students and graduates engaged with their chosen careers, ensuring that their skills don’t just meet industry standards — they exceed them.
Looking ahead: What this means for travel professionals
For those working in the travel industry, the addition of Stanbury and Mayo signals an exciting step forward. Their combined experience and passion for workforce development will help ensure that the next generation of travel professionals is well-equipped to thrive.
The travel industry is known for its resilience and adaptability, and organisations like the ATCC are at the heart of ensuring it stays that way. Whether it’s inspiring students through the Travel Ambassador program or lobbying for smarter training policies, the ATCC’s work underpins the future of the industry.
With Stanbury and Mayo on board, expect the ATCC to double down on its mission to connect classrooms to careers — because the future of travel doesn’t just happen. It’s shaped, nurtured, and guided by passionate leaders like these.
