An overwhelming majority of Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) members have voted in favour of merging with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), delivering a single, unified peak body for Australia's travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies.
The vote was held at a CATO Extraordinary General Meeting this afternoon, the culmination of a months-long consultation process that took the CATO and ATIA leadership teams to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, and into direct conversation with members through webinars, written briefings and one-on-one sessions.
Subject to ATIA members adopting a new constitution at the ATIA AGM on Thursday 11 June, CATO becomes a formally constituted and constitutionally protected Land Supply and Tour Operator division within ATIA from 1 July 2026. The CATO name is retained. The CATO division is enshrined in the ATIA Constitution. The Chair of the division holds a guaranteed ATIA Board seat.
For dual CATO-ATIA members, duplication of membership, accreditation and administration ends. For CATO-only members, the first full year of ATIA membership (FY28, Tiers 1 to 4) is covered by existing CATO funds.
Quotes from Dennis Bunnik, Chair, Council of Australian Tour Operators
"The industry has just voted for itself. One voice, one body, one future.”
"To every member who turned up to the briefings, read the material and cast their vote, thank you. That engagement made this process what it was. The Board of CATO is delighted in the outcome and in the fact that the result shows members saw the same opportunity we did as a Board in recommending the merger.”
"This is a win for our members and for the whole sector."
Quotes from Sean Martin, Vice-Chair, Council of Australian Tour Operators
"Today's result creates a significant opportunity for the touring and wholesale sector. By bringing our industry expertise into a stronger, unified association, we can work alongside ATIA to elevate the profile of touring, strengthen advocacy and create greater opportunities for growth across the entire category."
"Tour operators and wholesalers play a critical role in Australia's travel ecosystem, and this merger ensures our sector has both a dedicated voice and a seat at the table as we help shape the future of the industry."
"We're excited about what can be achieved together and look forward to working with ATIA to deliver even greater value for members and the travelling public alike."
