Australia’s business travel sector is set for a major shake-up, with the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) voting unanimously to form a Joint Venture (JV) with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
The move creates a new, unified platform for business travel advocacy while keeping ATMC’s identity firmly intact, according to ATIA.
The agreement takes effect on 1 January 2026, following member approval at a special general meeting.
ATMC also adopted a new constitution to support the integration and update its governance.
Under the JV, ATMC will keep full control of its agenda and member engagement, backed by dedicated funding.
At the same time, members gain access to ATIA’s national network, policy expertise and industry initiatives, including programs focused on workforce attraction.
Under the agreement, ATMC will sit within the association as an independent segment, represented by the ATMC Committee as a formal subcommittee of the ATIA Board.
Both organisations say the structure removes unnecessary duplication and frees up resources to focus on practical outcomes for corporate travel businesses.
ATIA also emphasised that the deal doesn’t diminish its support for other sectors, citing recent developments such as Pulse meetings and the Committee of Independent Travel Agents and Advisors.
The JV will run as a 15-month trial through March 2027.
“I am excited to welcome ATMC to this exciting partnership,” ATIA Chair Christian Hunter said.
“It will enable us to advance our commitment to support all sectors of the travel industry. For ATIA this means stronger sector representation, greater alignment across the travel ecosystem, and a smarter, more united voice at a national level. For ATMC it will enable stronger policy engagement, more workforce attraction opportunities and broader industry collaboration.’’
ATIA CEO Dean Long said, “The coming together of ATIA and ATMC enriches the opportunities for our current and new members”.
“Strategic partnerships are essential to enhance our members’ interests, drive stronger advocacy and improve member outcomes to effectively represent and support the interests of our members and the broader industry,” he remarked.
ATMC Chair Penny Spencer added, “This partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations to deliver stronger representation, greater influence, and improved support for members, while preserving what makes ATMC unique”.
“It also positions ATMC for the future – stronger, smarter and united, while maintaining an independent voice that continues to serve the corporate travel community,” she said.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Corporate travel has long needed a clearer, stronger voice, and this setup gives ATMC more clout without losing what makes it unique. The access to ATIA’s national platform should help cut through on policy issues that affect business travel every day, from workforce challenges to industry regulation. At the same time, ATIA’s reassurance to other sectors is important, because the wider industry works best when everyone feels heard. A trial period keeps it low-risk and gives members time to assess what the partnership delivers.
