Christmas lights are going up, stockings are being hung, champagne is being iced … and with seven days to go until the CATO Christmas Lunch, the countdown to one of the travel industry’s biggest events of the year is well and truly on.
For the first time, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) opened invitations to its annual Christmas Lunch to the entire travel trade, and like kids in a candy cane store, an enthusiastic industry gobbled every ticket right up.
Taking place on 8 December at the Ivy Ballroom, the CATO Travel Industry Christmas Lunch promises to be an event to remember, with entertainment, prizes, seated lunch, and befitting the occasion, lots of bubbly.
In early November, CATO unveiled Qatar Tourism as the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
“The CATO Industry Christmas Lunch is now firmly entrenched as a “not to be missed” event and we are thrilled to have Qatar Tourism as our Platinum Sponsor,” CATO managing director Brett Jardine told major media sponsor Karryon.
The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has also been confirmed as Gold Sponsor of the big bash.
“With a significant air-capacity increase forecast into South Korea, KTO has taken a lead role in supporting the leisure travel sector as we continue to emerge from a very challenging period,” Jardine said.
Not to be outdone, New Caledonia Tourism will sponsor the After Party, to be held at the ivy Pool Bar.
“New Caledonia is one of our closest island neighbours and will be the beneficiary of a strong rebound in leisure travel as our sector looks to destination partners for support in driving consumer awareness.” added Jardine.
Adding to the festivities, Papua New Guinea Tourism will bring the sights and sounds of the Kairuku-Hiri District in PNG’s Central Province to the event, courtesy of a ‘sing-sing’ based on the traditional dances of the Mekeo, Roro, Waima and Kivori peoples.
Among the prizes on offer are:
- Two return Economy Class tickets from Sydney/Melbourne to Vietnam, courtesy of Vietnam Airlines
- Three-nights accommodation for two people at Moditlo River Lodge (Greater Kruger Region, South Africa) including return airport transfers, daily meals, and daily game drives, courtesy of Prestige Safaris
- $1,200 worth of Mastercard Gift Cards, courtesy of Cash Passport
- $500 Go City attraction pass, courtesy of Go City
Those attending are reminded of the theme Cocktail with a “sprinkle of Christmas”, with goodie bags to be presented by The Africa Safari Co.
While the event is sold out, CATO says those who missed out can still register for the event in the case of any late cancellations.
Visit www.cato.travel/events for more information.
