The only event of its kind tailored for outbound tour operators and wholesalers, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) hosted its first CATO Summit and inaugural Hall of Fame induction last week.
Held at Sydney’s Watersedge at Campbells Stores, the half-day summit delivered important insights with expert-led sessions covering topics like risk management, financial strategies, marketing and technology.
Attendees gained knowledge on business structures, cybersecurity and future consumer trends, all purpose-built for tour operators and wholesalers.
“The feedback from members and industry stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive,” CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said.
Hall of Famers
The summit concluded with CATO’s Annual General Meeting and the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony.
Two industry heavyweights, Peter Baily and Darrell Wade, were the first inductees, recognised for their long-standing contributions.
Peter Baily, CATO Founder and Life Member, was acknowledged for his leadership in building the council into a trusted voice for Australia’s outbound touring sector.
Meanwhile, Darrell Wade, Co-founder and Chair of Intrepid Travel, was honoured for redefining responsible travel and leading Intrepid’s global growth over 36 years.
“The CATO Hall of Fame was established to honour the giants of our sector- those who not only built and shaped it, but did so with vision, values and purpose. It’s incredibly fitting that in this inaugural year, we recognise both the legacy of Peter Baily and the ongoing influence of Darrell Wade,” said Jardine.
“There are few individuals who can be said to embody the very spirit of CATO – but Peter Baily stands out as both a pioneer and a constant whose legacy will continue for many years to come.
“Darrell’s belief that travel can enrich lives – not just of travellers but of communities and the planet – continues to reshape how we do business. His inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects not just his success, but the values he’s championed across the industry.”
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