25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

Since its foundation in 1999, CATO has been a cornerstone of innovation and ethical practices within the land-supply sector of the Australian travel industry. For 25 years, CATO has diligently worked to elevate industry standards, foster innovation, and advocate for sustainable tourism practices.

The Anniversary Dinner commemorated CATO's historic milestones and an opportunity to reflect on numerous significant achievements as well as areas where the association has collaborated on advocacy over the last 25 years.  Some of these highlights have included GST exemptions on international travel, price advertising guidelines with ACCC, formation of DFAT’s Smarttraveller Consultative Group, and playing a pivotal role in the review of consumer protection in the travel industry.

In addition the associations heavy involvement in the Consumer Travel Support Program (CTSP), to ensure the land supply sector was included in support programs at the onset of COVID and CATO was at the forefront of delivery of the Reinvigorating International Travel Program (RITG).

The celebration was attended by 100 members and industry stalwarts, and was generously sponsored by CATO’s Platinum Partners: TravelPay, Gow Gates, and MINT Payments.

Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO, delivered a compelling speech that highlighted the enduring partnership between tour operators and wholesalers, a collaborative spirit that dates back to 60 years prior to CATO’s official formation.