Apply for CATO Membership

CATO is a travel industry hallmark with membership providing a sense of belonging for travel intermediaries

Build your business through engagement with like-minded organisations aligning with CATO’s four membership pillars

Advocacy

CATO advocates unity and one voice in representing the Australian land-supply sector through coordinated and concise government liaison and open dialogue with other industry sectors on relevant industry needs.

The majority of CATO’s Government engagement is aimed at the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) by holding a place on the DFAT industry consultative committee, as well as through a strong and constructive relationship with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) as their ‘go to’ reference for precise industry knowledge.

CATO is the author of standardised industry booking terms and conditions, delivering consistency across the sector that is aligned with obligations under Australian Consumer Law to mitigate ongoing risks to members.

Research

CATO produces an annual research paper highlighting the size and scope of international leisure travel from the Australian market.

Based on bespoke data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and through the collation of its own extensively sourced consumer survey data, CATO reports on leisure travel trends including booking patterns, styles of travel and spend as well as creating statistical information to strengthen and support CATO’s public relations messaging.

CATO encourages direct member engagements around specific destination data trends to support members in their marketing activity.

Education

CATO continues to identify ongoing educational business-related opportunities to support member needs across multiple areas including, but not limited to compliance, legal, marketing and crisis management.

Members are offered support across many areas of their organisation to deliver consistency in business practice across the sector. CATO continually facilitates discussion groups relating to relevant industry matters, specific sectors, and destinations.

CATO is authorised by the World Travel & Tourism Council to licence use of the COVID Safe Travel Stamp, recognised and accepted globally as formal adoption of appropriate operational protocols.

With major national and regional events throughout the calendar year, CATO provides extensive networking opportunities for members to engage with like-minded organisations.

Marketing

CATO delivers a credible profile for members amongst the travel trade through a range of marketing initiatives to assist in enhancing your brand presence.

CATO is proud to have a pro-active public relations and media reach across digital, print, radio and television relevant to the land-supply sector as well as active social platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn and a CATO YouTube channel to support members with consistent messaging and education tools.

CATO can support and coordinate tailored marketing initiatives targeted to CATO Member needs with both its quarterly trade magazine, Ground Control – distributed to over 5000 retail partners and the quarterly consumer title , Your Travel Magazine – distributed to over 115,000 qualified prospective travellers.