After more than a decade in the role, Dennis Bunnik says he will step aside as chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO). Bunnik has held the position for 11 years.
“After 14 years on the board, 11 as chair, it’s time for some new blood,” Bunnik tells Karryon in an interview.
The decision comes on the same day that CATO held a webinar announcing a proposed merger with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). Read more about that big news here.
While five CATO directors will move across to the merged entity, should a union be approved, Bunnik says that now was the time for him “to have a well-earned rest and actually concentrate on my day job”.
While he’s relished the role, Bunnik says that the position has been tough on “my Bunnik Tours colleagues, especially my brother and joint CEO Sacha… where I’ve been involved very heavily with CATO”.
“This week, it’s at least 60, 70% of my time,” he adds.
“I need to pay back Bunnik Tours, so I’ll be leaving regardless of whether it’s a yes vote or a no vote [for the merger].”
Dennis was also quick to dispel any perception that his decision was influenced by the merger proposal.
“What I’m conscious of is that because I have been the face of CATO… I don’t want my departure to overshadow this announcement,” he says.
“We’re not merging because I’m leaving. I don’t want it to distract from what will be a really important decision for our members and for the future of the industry. We’ve got to get this right.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Dennis Bunnik stepping aside feels like the end of a significant chapter for touring. But timing it alongside a proposed ATIA merger also underlines just how much the industry landscape is changing.
