The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced that two of the Australian travel industry's most respected leaders, Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions Travel Group, and Dennis Bunnik, Joint CEO of Bunnik Tours, will be inducted into the CATO Hall of Fame, recognising their outstanding and enduring contribution to Australia's touring sector.
The CATO Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals whose leadership, innovation and service have shaped the Australian travel industry and left a lasting legacy. Between them, Badyari and Bunnik have spent decades building globally respected businesses, championing industry standards and helping guide the evolution of Australian touring.
Sue Badyari: Leading the Way in Responsible and Regenerative Tourism
Sue Badyari joined World Expeditions in 1986 and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 1999. Under her leadership, the company has evolved from a single-brand operator into an international travel group comprising 17 specialist brands.
Widely recognised as a pioneer of responsible travel, Badyari embedded sustainability and community partnerships into the business long before they became industry priorities. Through the World Expeditions Foundation, she has championed projects supporting education, conservation and community development, while her long-standing commitment to Nepal has delivered significant outcomes in disaster recovery, women's empowerment and climate resilience.
A passionate advocate for women in travel and adventure, Badyari has also played an important role in fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Her many honours include Executive Leader of the Year, Woman of the Year at the Australian Women in Travel Awards and Travel Weekly's Sustainable Champion of the Year.
Dennis Bunnik: A Tireless Advocate for the Touring Sector
Dennis Bunnik has helped build Bunnik Tours into one of Australia's most respected and successful touring companies, renowned for its immersive and authentic travel experiences.
His impact, however, extends well beyond his business. Bunnik served on the CATO Board for 14 years, including 11 years as Chairman, making him one of the organisation's longest-serving and most influential leaders.
Throughout periods of significant change, including the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent industry recovery, Bunnik provided strong advocacy and leadership for the touring sector. Under his stewardship, CATO strengthened its position as the peak body for Australia's land-supply sector and played a critical role in supporting members through some of the most challenging periods in the industry's history.
Known for his collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to the broader industry, Bunnik's legacy is reflected in the strength and unity of the Australian touring sector today.
"Two Leaders Who Have Helped Define Modern Australian Touring"
CATO Committee Chair Sean Martin said the Hall of Fame induction recognised two individuals whose influence had extended far beyond their own organisations.
"The CATO Hall of Fame honours those whose contribution has genuinely changed our industry, and Sue Badyari and Dennis Bunnik are both richly deserving recipients," said Martin.
"Sue has been a pioneer of responsible and regenerative tourism, demonstrating that travel can create positive outcomes for communities and the environment while building a world-class business. Her leadership has influenced not only World Expeditions but the wider industry."
"Dennis's contribution to Australian touring has been immense. Through more than a decade of leadership at CATO, he helped guide the sector through unprecedented challenges, strengthened our collective voice and always placed the interests of the broader industry first."
"Together, Sue and Dennis represent the values that define the CATO Hall of Fame – leadership, integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of Australian travel. Their influence will be felt for many years to come."
The CATO Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose achievements and service have made a profound and lasting contribution to Australia's travel and tourism industry. The induction of Sue Badyari and Dennis Bunnik celebrates two remarkable careers and the enduring impact they have had on businesses, travellers, communities and the future of Australian touring.
