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:
- Peter Baily, CATO Founder, long-serving General Manager, and Life Member
- Darrell Wade, Co-founder and Chair of Intrepid Travel
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.
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