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image courtesy: Austria Tourism, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Karten/ Franz Gerdi
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the New Zealand Outbound Travel Suppliers Association (NZOTSA) will be joining forces to distribute the CATO Touring Academy to New Zealand travel agents under the NZOTSA banner.
Recently launched in Australia, the Touring Academy is an innovative e-learning certification programme developed with industry experts to enhance the knowledge of retail travel agents on the value of land-based touring. The programme highlights the diverse and unique aspects of touring and upon successful completion, Certified Agents can proudly promote their status, showcasing the expertise and knowledge gained through their certification.
The joint venture between CATO and NZOTSA builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two peak industry bodies that was signed in 2023 to explore, discuss and develop numerous synergies and potential benefits for members across each organisation, and the trans-Tasman region.
CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine said "We are thrilled to collaborate with NZOTSA in this significant venture. This partnership not only strengthens our bond but also amplifies the opportunities for growth and innovation in the land-supply sector across Australia and New Zealand.
NZOTSA Chair, Joe O’Sullivan added “By combining our resources and expertise, we can provide support and development for tour operators and travel agents, ultimately enriching the touring experience for all travellers from the region"
For more information about the CATO Touring Academy, visit www.cato.travel/touring-academy
The latest data analysis from the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) reveals a significant surge in outbound holiday travel by Australians over the April to June 2024 quarter, marking an impressive 26% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This upward trend highlights a revitalised enthusiasm for international travel, and most notably that leisure is trending higher than other forms of outbound travel across various regions, age groups, and travel durations.
Key Highlights:
Overview: Holiday travel continues to dominate as the primary reason for Australians heading overseas, accounting for 60% of all outbound travel in the June quarter, an increase from 2023 where holidays represented 57% of all outbound travel. The total number of holiday travellers for the quarter surged by 26%, with a significant increase in trips to South East Asia and North East Asia. North East Asia witnessed the most dramatic growth, with a 75% increase in travellers, highlighting the region’s growing appeal to Australian tourists.
Regional Preferences: Asia remains the most popular region for Australian holidaymakers, with South East Asia representing 41% of all holiday travel. This reflects Australia's strong travel ties with the region, driven by proximity, cultural diversity, and affordability.
Travel Duration: The number of travellers taking trips of 6 days or less saw an increase of 39%, reflecting a shift towards nearby Asia. Meanwhile, 7-14 day trips remain the most popular duration, making up 41% of all holiday travel in 2024. The shift towards shorter, more frequent holidays may also suggest a growing preference for balance between work, life, and travel among Australian consumers.
Demographic Insights: Younger travellers (aged 18-35) and mid-age travellers (aged 36-50) are the most active in the holiday market, each representing 24% of total holiday travel in 2024. These age groups are leading the charge in exploring global destinations, particularly in Asia, where growth has been most pronounced.
“Outbound leisure travel plays a crucial role in the Australian economy, offering a complementary balance to inbound tourism. By fostering international relationships, expanding cultural understanding, and driving demand for Australian products and services abroad, outbound travel enhances Australia's global economic footprint,” said CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine.
He further added “The symbiotic relationship between outbound and inbound travel ensures a robust and dynamic tourism industry, vital for Australia's long-term economic prosperity”.
Overall, the April to June 2024 data paints a positive picture of the outbound travel market in Australia, with substantial growth across various sectors. This resurgence highlights the travel industry's recovery and the evolving preferences of Australian travellers. As the year progresses, we anticipate these trends to continue.
For more detailed insights and future forecasts, stay tuned to CATO's upcoming reports.
With the 2025 northern hemisphere peak selling season fast approaching, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is calling on travel agents to prepare ahead and update and expand their knowledge of the touring sector.
To meet this need and ensure agents are well-prepared, the CATO Touring Academy was launched to elevate the expertise and capabilities of both seasoned travel professionals and those new to the industry.
The platform offers an unparalleled online certification program, to help agents master the nuances of selling land-based holidays across the globe and maximise their earnings from the inclusive nature of touring holidays.
"The travel landscape is evolving rapidly, and agents need to stay ahead of the curve as demand continues to surge," said Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO. “The CATO Touring Academy provides the tools and knowledge necessary for agents to excel and stand out in today’s market."
The program offers personalised learning, industry recognition, opportunities to leverage the certification to unlock new opportunities and boost sales potential.
For more information agents are encouraged to enrol here
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is delighted to announce TravelPay as the Platinum Sponsor for its highly anticipated 2024 CATO Christmas Lunch. This year's event promises to be the highlight of the festive season, bringing together over 450 industry professionals for an afternoon of celebration and networking, followed by the infamous after party.
Event Details
The CATO Christmas Lunch is renowned for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, elegant location, and the opportunity it offers to connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
As Platinum Sponsor, TravelPay's support is instrumental in enhancing the event's prestige and providing attendees with a memorable experience. Their commitment to the travel industry aligns perfectly with CATO's mission to promote excellence and innovation in the land-supply sector.
“We are thrilled to have TravelPay as our Platinum Sponsor for the 2024 Christmas Lunch,” said Brett Jardine, Managing Director, CATO. “Their partnership underscores the importance of collaboration and community within our industry, and we look forward to a fantastic event together.”
"TravelPay are beyond excited to be the Platinum Sponsor of the renowned CATO Christmas Lunch this year” said CEO Peter Egglestone. “Our commitment to the travel industry is unwavering and we are dedicated to fostering strong partnerships and continuing our support of the CATO family."
Industry participants are encouraged to secure their tickets early for what is set to be the most anticipated Christmas event of the year.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is thrilled to announce that ticket sales are now open for the highly anticipated 2024 CATO Christmas Lunch. This year's event promises to once again be the highlight of the festive season, bringing together more than 400 industry professionals for an afternoon of celebration and networking, followed by the infamous after party.
Event Details Date: Thursday, 5th December 2024 Venue: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (formerly Sheraton on the Park) Earlybird Tickets: Now available for purchase at $180 inc GST here
The CATO Christmas Lunch is renowned for its festive atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and the unparalleled opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry leaders. In recognition of CATO’s 25th Anniversary, guests are invited to dress in cocktail attire featuring blue and silver. Plus of course there will be top-tier entertainment, and a celebration of the industry's achievements over the past year.
Members are encouraged to secure tickets early for what is set to be the most anticipated Christmas event of the year.
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The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is delighted to release the latest "Australians on Holiday – International Leisure Travel Trends" report, derived from 2023 travel data.
Drawing from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), CATO Member data and independent consumer surveys, this comprehensive study delves into significant travel habits and shifting preferences of Australians in the post-pandemic landscape, offering valuable information for stakeholders in the travel industry.
Key Findings:
Total Outbound Travel: In 2023, nearly 9,975,170 Australians ventured overseas, marking a 12% decrease from 2019. Holiday travel accounted for 5,676,550 passengers or 57% of total outbound journeys.
Touring Sector: A standout in the sector, land-based multi-day tours attracted 483,250 Australians, generating an impressive expenditure of $4.4 billion. Traditional coach tours proved especially popular, drawing 225,319 participants who spent a collective $2.1 billion. This robust performance underscores the sector's significant contribution to overall travel spending.
Top Destinations: Indonesia emerged as the leading destination for outbound leisure travel with 1,179,150 visits, followed by New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, and the USA. Despite a 7% decline in travel to South East Asia, this region remained the favourite among Australian tourists. Conversely, Southern and Eastern Europe experienced a 6% increase in visitors, indicating a shifting interest towards these regions.
Spending Patterns: The average expenditure per traveller stood at $6,690, contributing to a total spend of over $50 billion on international leisure travel. Despite being a 22% decrease from 2019, these figures point to a steady recovery and a positive outlook for future expenditure.
Demographics: Leisure travellers aged 18-35 comprised the largest group (28%), followed by those aged 36-50 (23%). Couples formed the primary travel group (35%), with families with children under 18 (20%) and solo travellers (17%) also representing significant segments.
Travel Timing and Planning: The peak leisure travel period was from July to September, with Australians spending an average of 17.7 days abroad and visiting 3.1 countries per trip – this accounted for 30% of all trips. A majority (62%) booked their trips within six months of departure, predominantly using traditional booking channels, with 70% relying on both online and offline retailers.
Travel Insurance: A notable 82% of leisure travellers purchased travel insurance, mainly to cover medical emergencies (84%) and trip cancellations (64%).
These findings highlight a vibrant rebound in international travel, echoing trends seen in 2019, and demonstrate Australians' enduring enthusiasm for global exploration. The insights provided are invaluable for the travel industry to better serve the evolving needs and preferences of Australian travellers.
For more insights click HERE
In the wake of a celebratory 25th-anniversary dinner, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is thrilled to announce the CATO Touring Academy, a landmark initiative in professional development for the travel industry, is now live.
The innovative e-learning certificate program is strategically designed to augment the expertise of retail travel agents in the land-based touring sector, showcasing the variety and uniqueness of touring, highlighting that there is a perfect tour for everyone.
CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine said “The CATO Academy offers a meticulously structured certification program, tailored to enhance the capabilities of both seasoned travel agents and industry newcomers and ensures agents are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today's competitive market.”
Academy Highlights: Participants will be required to accumulate 200 points through module completion and activities to achieve CATO Certification. Educational components include:
Additionally, participation in CATO Member Familiarisations of 5-days or more will earn participants 10 points each, and the completion of endorsed CATO member brand training will also contribute towards certification.
The training includes sales techniques, in-depth introductions to specific touring styles, and a variety of product training from various CATO Member touring brands. This integrated approach ensures that retail agents are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in promoting and selling touring products.
Enrollment Details:
The CATO Touring Academy is now accepting registrations via academy.cato.travel
Agents can enroll for a nominal annual subscription fee of $99, gaining access to a premier learning platform that promises to significantly elevate their professional qualifications.
For further information or enquires relating to the CATO Academy, email academy@cato.travel
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) held its 2024 AGM at Sydney’s iconic Hilton Hotel last night with close to 100 members in attendance any many more accessing via live stream.
CATO Managing Director, Brett Jardine hosted formalities and provided an overview of one the most successful years in the history of CATO. Key points in the review of the last 12 months highlighted CATO’s active role in the delivery of the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program, the development and delivery of CATO’s Accreditation which included an independent external financial assessment of members and the development and delivery of CATO’s Touring Academy.
CATO Chair, Dennis Bunnik delivered an address that highlighted the opportunity presented by the development of the CATO Touring Academy and its potential to accelerate the already fast-growing touring sector, through the engagement and training of travel consultants.
Bunnik also presented some topline figures from CATO’s Australians on Holiday report which will be released next week. This report, using data from the ABS, Tourism Research Australia, and CATO’s own consumer surveys, provides the most in-depth analysis of the Australian outbound travel sector. In 2023, almost 10 million Australians travelled overseas, of which 57% or almost 5.7 million travelled on holiday. Of these, over 480,000 multi-day tours were undertaken by Australians, including 225,000 traditional coach tours.
These numbers clearly demonstrate Australians’ love for touring in all its forms and show the massive opportunity for travel agents wishing to grow their business and safeguard themselves from ever-reducing airline revenue.
In addition CATO proudly announced the results of its recent board elections. Four Board members have been re-elected to commence their two-year terms;
In addition, Ingrid Berthelsen, Co-founder & Managing Director at Evolution Travel Collective has been elected to the Board for the first time.
These newly elected members join the robust CATO board alongside the Chair, Dennis Bunnik, and other seasoned board members:
“The last 12 months have been one of CATO’s most successful years in history and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Dennis Bunnik and our Board for the support and commitment to realise and drive our strategic vision.” comments Brett Jardine, Managing Director, CATO.
“Tonight we celebrate 25 years since the inception of CATO and we do so at the most exciting time in the Association’s history. The success of the CATO Accreditation rollout and the massive boost to members through RITG funding, are front runners to the incredible opportunity that now lies in front of us with the launch of the CATO Touring Academy. The year ahead will be transformative for the touring sector and we are honoured to be able to help drive this with our members.” advised Dennis Bunnik, CATO Chair.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has today announced that Liz Anderson will be stepping down from the Board on Wednesday June 19, concluding her 8 years as a Director.
“The eight years that Liz served on the CATO board were the most transformative time in the Association’s history. She helped shape the CATO that exists today and in the process has created significant value for both the membership and the broader touring sector. I have greatly valued her input, wisdom and friendship and will miss her on the board,” stated Dennis Bunnik, CATO Chair.
"I have chosen not to re-nominate for my position as a Director of the CATO Board, a decision that comes at a time of deep pride in our collective achievements. Over my eight-year tenure, I have had the privilege of contributing significantly to CATO's growth and success. Despite facing some of the most formidable challenges our industry has ever encountered, our sectors unwavering collaborative spirit has resulted in transformative changes and substantial learning. As I step down, I am excited to continue following CATO's progression and look forward to dedicating my efforts to new challenges in the industry as a member of the SETO board." said Liz Anderson
"In my role as Managing Director, I have deeply valued Liz's support and strategic guidance. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping CATO's direction and I am personally grateful for her commitment to our goals and her support in executing our strategic vision," stated Brett Jardine.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is excited to announce its upcoming 25th Anniversary Dinner. This prestigious event for members will be held at the iconic Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20th June, following the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The celebratory dinner will honour CATO's enduring commitment and dynamic leadership in the Australian land supply sector.
Since its foundation in 1999, CATO has been a cornerstone of innovation and ethical practices within the land-supply sector of the Australian travel industry. For 25 years, CATO has diligently worked to elevate industry standards, foster innovation, and advocate for sustainable tourism practices.
The Anniversary Dinner will not only commemorate CATO's historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. These include robust support for members during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains ongoing as the industry continues to rebuild.
A highlight of recent initiatives is the introduction of the enhanced CATO Accreditation Program. This program now includes an annual financial health check conducted independently by a CATO-appointed external accounting firm, ensuring the ongoing financial resilience of member organisations.
Addressing the industry’s skills shortage, CATO has also launched the CATO Touring Academy. This pioneering initiative is designed to enhance the skill sets of retail travel agents and individuals new to the sector, fostering a well-equipped workforce ready to meet future challenges.
“We are thrilled to mark this significant milestone in CATO’s history. This event is a celebration of the dedication and collaborative spirit of our members, whose steadfast commitment has driven CATO to new heights over the past 25 years.”said Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director.
The evening will also recognise Peter Baily, founder and Life Member of CATO, and will be complemented by gourmet cuisine and an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration, reflecting the spirit and achievements of CATO over the past quarter-century.
