The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced the appointment of Sean Martin, Managing Director of G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, as Chair of the newly formed CATO Committee, ushering in a new chapter for the touring sector following CATO’s merger with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
Sean succeeds former Chair Dennis Bunnik.
Aaron Zoanetti, Frontera Law and Green & Gold Army, has been appointed Vice Chair.
The CATO Committee replaces the former CATO Board of Directors and will continue to provide strategic leadership and advocacy for Australia’s touring and wholesale community within the broader ATIA framework.
This week, CATO members also elected three new members to join the Committee:
• Michelle Davies, Club Med
• Shelley Poten, Albatross Tours
• Yvette Thompson, Intrepid Travel Group
They join existing Committee members:
• Brad McDonnell, Entire Travel Group
• James O'Donnell, The Travel Corporation
• Aaron Zoanetti, Pointon Partners
• Chris Hall, Globus Family of Brands
• Ingrid Berthelsen, Evolution Travel Collective
Sean Martin said the new Committee represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the voice of the touring sector while contributing to the broader travel industry agenda.
"The merger with ATIA provides our sector with a stronger platform and greater influence than ever before. As Chair of the CATO Committee, I look forward to ensuring the interests of tour operators and wholesalers remain front and centre as we work together to grow and strengthen Australia's travel industry."
Sean thanked outgoing Chair Dennis Bunnik for his leadership and dedication to CATO over the past decade.
"CATO has built a strong legacy as the voice of Australia's touring industry. Our role now is to build on that foundation and ensure our members continue to have a dedicated forum and strong representation within a united industry body."
