The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a view to forming a strategic partnership from 1 July 2025. The move is designed to lift the voice of corporate travel in Australia while protecting ATMC’s independence and identity.
A Joint Venture Agreement is currently in development, with the partnership to run for an initial 24-month period.
Under the proposed structure, ATMC will remain a standalone, member-led committee within ATIA, with its own agenda, governance and funding. But the new deal will allow ATMC to combine ATIA’s national advocacy power and policy expertise with its own specialist focus on travel management.
A formal vote between 18 and 24 months will determine whether to make the arrangement permanent. Until then, ATMC members will get a firsthand taste of being part of ATIA.
Both organisations believe the tie-up will deliver practical wins for members, including a more unified voice in government and industry discussions, reduced admin overheads, and more targeted support for the corporate travel sector.
ATMC Chair Penny Spencer said the move is about “empowering ATMC to do more for our members without losing who we are”.
“We remain member-led, focused on corporate travel, and in charge of our own direction. But now, we’ll be backed by ATIA’s advocacy team, government relationships, and workforce programs, which gives us the tools and scale to grow our impact nationally.
“Our members want more influence, better access to workforce attraction initiatives, and a louder voice in shaping policy. This partnership delivers that, while protecting the culture and close connections that make ATMC special.”
ATMC’s membership fees will continue to fund ATMC-only initiatives, with a dedicated budget managed by the committee itself.
ATIA Chair Christian Hunter said, “This partnership reflects ATIA’s commitment to supporting all sectors of the travel industry”.
“With ATIA’s national reach and advocacy strength behind it, ATMC is better equipped to deliver for members whether that’s stronger policy engagement, more workforce attraction opportunities or broader industry collaboration,” he stated.
“For ATIA, this means stronger sector representation, greater alignment across the travel ecosystem, and a smarter, more united voice at a national level.”
ATIA CEO Dean Long added, “To enhance our members’ interests ATIA must create strategic partnerships to drive stronger advocacy and member outcomes to effectively represent and support the interests of our members and the broader industry”.
“As announced as part of A30 strategy, our aim is to increase the direct feedback loops between members and the team at ATIA. Creating formal partnerships with complementary membership bodies will continue to be a focus of the Association.”
