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image courtesy: Austria Tourism, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Karten/ Franz Gerdi
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) today announced the appointment of Sean Martin, Managing Director of G Adventures (ANZ), as interim Vice Chair, effective immediately. Martin steps into the role following the resignation of Lisa Pagotto from the CATO Board last month and will serve through to CATO’s 2026 AGM when the role will be formally open for re-election.
CATO Chair Dennis Bunnik welcomed the appointment, highlighting Martin’s deep industry experience across small-group adventure travel, sustainability and trade partnerships.
“Sean brings a sharp commercial lens and a genuine commitment to responsible travel - exactly what our sector needs as demand continues to evolve,” said Dennis Bunnik, Chair of CATO.
“On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome him as interim Vice Chair. I also want to thank Lisa Pagotto for her energy and contribution to CATO’s work; we wish her every success.”
Martin said he is looking forward to supporting members and advancing CATO’s priorities.
“I am honoured to step into the Vice Chair role at CATO and look forward to working closely with our larger and smaller members across our sector. I've always been incredibly passionate about industry unity, and at this time, it has never been more crucial. I believe that by coming together, we can drive growth and innovation in the land supply category. Collaboration will ensure we deliver exceptional travel experiences and help shape the future of touring and wholesale for Australian travellers.”
Travel agents looking to match clients with the perfect holiday experience now have a powerful new tool at their fingertips. The CATO Touring Academy has introduced an enhanced directory that allows agents to search for tour operators based on touring style.
Whether it’s a family seeking their next adventure, clients looking for a touch of luxury, or travellers wanting a specific niche experience, CATO’s Touring Academy makes it easy to see which CATO Member Brands deliver the style of touring required.
“This feature gives agents a simple, time-saving way to connect their clients with the right product,” said Brett Jardine, Managing Director. “It highlights the breadth and expertise of our members across the land supply sector, ensuring travellers receive high-quality, trusted touring experiences.”
The Touring Academy is the industry’s central hub for professional learning, product knowledge, and resources tailored to land supply. With this latest update, it also becomes a go-to directory for helping travel professionals align client preferences with the diverse range of CATO member offerings.
For more information, visit www.cato.travel/touring-academy.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is proud to reveal the September Top 20 Touring Agents, celebrating the most engaged learners in the CATO Touring Academy over the past month.
This month’s leaderboard welcomes several newcomers and shows just how competitive the Academy has become, with independent agencies and major retail groups going head-to-head right across the country.
Highlights from the September leaderboard
Congratulations to our winners CATO is pleased to announce the two randomly selected winners from the July, August, and September leaderboards, who will each receive a free ticket to the CATO Christmas Lunch on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park:
Additionally, Rosemary Spiteri - The Curated Traveller wins a ticket as the top placeholder.
CATO congratulates all of September’s Top 20 and applauds their commitment to growing their touring expertise through the Academy’s 60+ modules spanning destinations, brands and niche styles.
Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director, said:
“September’s results are among the most competitive we’ve seen. It’s fantastic to see new names stepping up alongside familiar high performers, all focused on delivering better touring outcomes for their clients. Congratulations to Rosemary, Maria and Abby on winning their Christmas Lunch tickets, and to all of our September Top 20.”
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has today announced that Lisa Pagotto has resigned from her role as Vice-Chair and board member.
Lisa informed the board of her decision last week, choosing to step away in order to focus on new ventures that require her full energy and leadership. Her resignation marks the conclusion of more than five years of board service, including the past three and a half as Vice-Chair.
Throughout her tenure, Lisa played a significant role in helping to evolve CATO’s strategic direction and deepen its member engagement. She was a strong advocate for small and independent operators, championing greater inclusivity and innovation across board-level conversations, programs and industry positioning.
In addition to her governance and strategic contributions during a period of significant transformation, including pandemic response and post-COVID recovery, Lisa also offered her own business, Crooked Compass, as a litmus test for many CATO-led initiatives. From the early development of the CATO Accreditation to evaluating associate member offerings, she actively helped bridge the gap between policy and practical implementation.
Lisa contributed to CATO’s governance and policy direction during a time of major transformation, including the pandemic period and the post-COVID recovery phase. She led several new initiatives that strengthened the organisation’s profile and member value, including the development of CATO’s event calendar, International Women’s Day campaigns and broader industry engagement efforts.
Statement from Dennis Bunnik, CATO Chair
“We are saddened to see Lisa leave CATO. Lisa’s impact on CATO and its members cannot be overstated. Lisa was a mentor and advisor to many of our smaller members, supporting them through challenges large and small. Lisa was instrumental in the launch of the successful CATO Quiz Nights, International Women’s Day lunches and the inaugural CATO Business Summit. She was a driving force behind the growth of the CATO Christmas lunch and networking events. Most importantly she stood up during the covid years and helped shape the organisation we have today. CATO is much stronger for having had Lisa on board.
Personally, I have greatly valued her opinions and input and on behalf of the board and all members I’d like to thank Lisa for her dedication to CATO during these past 5 years.”
Statement from Lisa Pagotto
“After more than five years on the CATO board, including three and a half as Vice-Chair, I’ve made the decision to step away to focus on a new chapter and ventures that require my full attention. Serving the membership, particularly smaller and independent operators, has been a privilege I’ve never taken lightly.
I’ve always believed that progress comes from thinking differently, even when that’s uncomfortable. I’m proud to have stood for innovation, member connection and a more inclusive, future-focused voice. I remain committed to those values and to the broader conversations they’ve helped ignite.”
CATO is proud to reveal the June Top 20 Touring Agents, recognising the most engaged learners in the CATO Touring Academy for the past month. With fierce competition and new faces rising fast, this month’s leaderboard highlights the dedication of retail travel agents across the country who are investing in their knowledge and skills to better sell touring.
Claiming the #1 spot for June is Trent Rice from Flight Centre Renmark, taking the lead by just one enrolment - a clear sign of how close the race is at the top. Following closely in second place is Rosemary Spiteri from The Curated Traveller, whose consistent commitment to learning continues to inspire.
The leaderboard saw some standout jumps:
We also welcome some exciting new entrants to the Top 20:
Brett Atkinson, Heather Cunningham, Alison Harris, and Emilie Brown - congratulations on making your mark!
The CATO Touring Academy now features over 60 modules covering destinations, brands, and niche travel styles - all designed to help agents master the touring product.
CATO congratulates the entire June Top 20 and encourages all agents to keep climbing. With a new leaderboard released each month, the opportunity to shine is always just one module away. See full leaderboard here: https://www.cato.travel/top-touring-agents.
“Our monthly leaderboard celebrates the agents driving excellence in the touring sector. These are the professionals taking the initiative to learn more, grow their confidence, and deliver better results for their clients. We're thrilled to see such strong engagement,” said Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director.
CATO has wrapped up a highly successful CATO Summit and Dinner 2025, held on Thursday 12 June at the spectacular Watersedge at Campbells Stores, The Rocks. The sold-out event delivered on its promise of purpose-built content for tour operators and wholesalers, while the dinner offered guests a front-row view of the spectacular Vivid Sydney lights to cap off the evening.
Designed to tackle the real-world challenges and opportunities facing outbound tour operators and wholesalers, the half-day Summit featured a dynamic mix of expert-led sessions covering risk management, financial strategies, marketing trends, technology, and insurance.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said, “The feedback from members and industry stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive. The curated content, practical advice, and high-quality speakers made this year’s Summit the most valuable to date.”
Highlights of the program included:
• Legal insights on business structures and succession planning
• Strategies for managing foreign exchange and improving cash flow
• Cyber security and automation for greater business efficiency
• Lifecycle marketing tips
• Future consumer trends in global touring
The Summit concluded with the CATO Annual General Meeting, followed by a sold-out members-only dinner. The evening also marked the inaugural CATO Hall of Fame induction, honouring Peter Baily and Darrell Wade for outstanding contributions to the sector.
CATO extends its sincere thanks to the 2025 Summit sponsors: Frontera Law, XE, Axelo, Gow-Gates, Intuit Mailchimp and Mint - whose support made the event possible.
As the only event of its kind tailored specifically for outbound tour operators and wholesalers, the CATO Summit will continue to grow in significance as a must-attend business event for the sector.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) last week held its inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony at the Annual AGM Members Dinner in Sydney on 12th June, celebrating two extraordinary individuals whose vision, leadership, and legacy have played a pivotal role in shapingAustralia’s outbound travel sector.
The 2025 inductees are:
The CATO Hall of Fame Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and enduring contribution to the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the broader Australian travel sector. Presented annually at the CATO AGM Members Dinner, this prestigious honour celebrates excellence, leadership, and long-term impact within the sector.
“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 CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine.
About the Inductees
Peter Baily As CATO’s founder and long-term General Manager, Peter Baily played a pivotal role in establishing the voice of Australia’s outbound tour operator community. His leadership laid the foundation for CATO’s evolution into a respected industry body and trusted advocate. Peter’s commitment to ethical business standards, collaboration, and industry education has left a lasting legacy, making him a deserving inaugural Hall of Fame inductee.
“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,” said Jardine.
Darrell Wade Darrell Wade, co-founder and Chair of Intrepid Travel, is one of Australia’s most visionary travel entrepreneurs. For over 36 years, he has helped redefine travel as a force for good -co-founding Intrepid in 1989 with a commitment to sustainability, community benefit, and local connection. Under his leadership, Intrepid has grown into the world’s largest adventure travel company, with operations in 29 countries.
“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,” said Jardine. “His inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects not just his success, but the values he’s championed across the industry.”
About the CATO Hall of Fame Nominees for the CATO Hall of Fame are evaluated on legacy of impact, leadership, innovation, mentorship, and professional integrity. Eligible individuals may be retired, still active in the sector, or contributing in a non-CATO-affiliated capacity.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will become an annual tradition, recognising those whose careers have elevated the Australian touring sector through vision, innovation, and enduring commitment.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is pleased to announce the composition of its Board for 2025/26, reflecting a strong blend of continuity, commitment, and fresh perspective for Australia’s touring sector.
At the helm, Dennis Bunnik has been re-elected unopposed as Chair for his sixth consecutive term. His steadfast leadership, strategic advocacy, and deep industry understanding continue to be a major asset to both CATO and the broader sector.
Five current Directors remain mid-term and were not up for re-election this year: Lisa Pagotto, Crooked Compass (Vice-Chair); Aaron Zoanetti, Frontera Law; Ingrid Berthelsen, Evolution Travel Collective; Brad McDonnell, Entire Travel Group; Sean Martin, G Adventures
Returning to the Board for a further term are Martin Edwards, The Explorer Society, and James O’Donnell, The Travel Corporation. CATO extends sincere thanks to both for their ongoing dedication and valuable contributions.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said: “The ongoing presence of Dennis, along with our mid-term and returning Directors, ensures continuity and a depth of insight as CATO continues its important work exclusively representing tour operators and wholesalers.”
CATO also warmly welcomes two new Directors:
Jardine added: “Our Board line-up reflects the depth, diversity, and leadership excellence within our membership. Dennis’s reappointment and the continued service of our Directors provide crucial stability, while Amanda and Chris bring fresh insights at a pivotal time for the touring sector. We are excited about the direction ahead.”
CATO would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Julie King and Yvette Thompson, who have chosen not to re-stand this year. We are grateful for Yvette’s contribution over the past two years and extend our sincere thanks for her support. We also wish to recognise Julie King for her decade of dedicated service on the Board. Julie’s calm and considered approach during some of the industry’s most challenging periods, particularly throughout the COVID era, has been deeply appreciated, along with her long-standing support of CATO’s PR and communications efforts.
New data released today by the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) reveals a robust start to the year for outbound leisure travel, with a record 1.85 million Australians heading overseas for holidays between January and March 2025 – a 15% increase over the same period last year, and a remarkable 54% rise from 2023.
South East Asia continues to dominate, drawing nearly 4 in 10 outbound leisure travellers, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam retaining their appeal due to proximity, value, and accessibility. North East Asia also saw a resurgence, with travel to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan up significantly year-on-year.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine highlighted that the results reflect a maturing market:
“Australians are increasingly confident, adventurous and diverse in their destination choices. We’re seeing growth across every age group and every corner of the globe — from family trips in South East Asia to extended stays across Europe and the Americas. This data reflects the hard work of the travel industry and tour operators in delivering compelling, well-supported itineraries Australians trust.”
Youth travel remained strong with the 18–35 age group accounting for the largest share (29%) of international holidaymakers. Older travellers also returned in force, with the 71+ segment growing by 18%, reflecting greater accessibility and confidence among retirees.
While shorter trips (under 14 days) remain popular, there was a notable increase in trips of one month or longer, particularly to Europe and North East Asia — a signal that Australians are seeking deeper, more immersive travel experiences.
“As Australians continue to discover the joy of exploring the world, Australian-based tour operators and wholesalers are well-positioned to support them with safety, structure and unforgettable experiences. The resilience of the outbound market is clear — and it’s only just getting started,” Jardine added.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) extends its congratulations to Senator the Hon Don Farrell on his reappointment as Minister for Trade and Tourism.
CATO has valued the constructive and open relationship with Minister Farrell and his office over the last term of government, which has included meaningful collaboration on the development of key industry initiatives. Notably, the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program, developed in 2023 and concluding at the end of this month, provided targeted support for outbound travel businesses as they rebuilt in the wake of the pandemic.
CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine, acknowledged the impact of the program and the strong foundation it has helped establish for future growth.
“The RITG program delivered much-needed support for CATO members at a crucial time. It recognised the importance of Australia’s outbound travel sector and helped our members to reconnect with international supply chains, drive investment in innovation and build resilience as international travel resumed. We now look forward to working with Minister Farrell on future initiatives that will strengthen Australia’s outbound travel industry and its global competitiveness,” said Jardine.
With international travel demand continuing to grow, CATO remains committed to working closely with the Minister and his Department to ensure Australian tour operators and wholesalers are well-supported, future-ready, and positioned to lead in the global tourism landscape.
