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image courtesy: Austria Tourism, Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Karten/ Franz Gerdi
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, with over 50 of its members attending one of the world’s largest and most influential global gatherings in the travel industry. Supported by the Australian Government’s Reinvigorating International Travel Grant (RITG) program, CATO’s impressive attendance signals a clear commitment to revitalising the travel industry and accelerating Australia’s outbound tourism recovery.
For 44 years, WTM London has served as the ultimate global meeting point for the travel and tourism sector, bringing together professionals and industry leaders from across the globe. Spanning three days, the event offers a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration, offering access to exhibitors from a wide range of sectors including, destinations, transportation, accommodations, and cutting-edge travel technologies.
“In an era where the travel industry is reestablishing its global connections, WTM London offers an invaluable opportunity for Australian tour operators to expand international partnerships and strengthen relationships with key global markets,” said Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO. “The RITG program has been instrumental in ensuring our members can participate in this flagship event, reinforcing Australia’s presence on the world stage and supporting the recovery of our outbound travel sector.”
With thousands of travel professionals coming together to create world-class travel experiences, WTM presents CATO members with invaluable opportunities to form new partnerships, source innovative products, and re-establish global networks. The substantial attendance this year highlights CATO’s unwavering dedication to fostering growth and collaboration within Australia’s outbound travel sector.
CATO’s expanded presence at WTM London marks a pivotal step forward for Australian tour operators and highlights its crucial role in rejuvenating the broader travel and tourism landscape. As CATO members explore, connect, and cultivate international partnerships, the resulting benefits will extend across the Australian travel industry, ultimately enriching the travel offerings available to Australian travellers.
Australian businesses are facing growing pressure to protect sensitive data and ensure strong cyber resilience as cyber threats continue to rise. The proposed Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 is part of Australia’s strategic response to these risks, introducing new obligations for company directors to oversee and manage cyber risks effectively. For tour operators, this means a shift in how directors must approach data protection and cyber governance.
Why This Matters for Tour OperatorsThe travel industry relies heavily on sensitive client data, from personal identification to payment information. With these new reforms, directors and company leaders will face heightened responsibilities to ensure that all data is secure, managed responsibly, and protected from cyber threats. This is more than a compliance issue—it’s about safeguarding the trust clients place in tour operators and protecting the integrity of business operations.
Key Areas of Focus in the LegislationThe proposed legislative package introduces several new requirements for company directors, including:
Mandatory Incident Reporting: Directors will need to report certain cyber incidents promptly, ensuring quick responses and regulatory compliance.
Privacy and Data Security Standards: Enhanced expectations around data handling and privacy protection aim to minimise risks, especially for industries like travel where data is critical.
Risk Management: Directors must take an active role in implementing and overseeing cyber risk management, ensuring organisations are prepared for potential threats.
Get the Full PictureFor directors and leaders in the travel industry, understanding these upcoming changes is essential. Our comprehensive whitepaper on the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024 details these new obligations and offers insights on steps directors can take now to prepare.
To read the full whitepaper, visit the 4walls website https://4walls.au/cyber-security-legislative-package-2024/. Preparing today means better protection for your clients, your business, and your team tomorrow.
Since its debut on July 1st, the CATO Touring Academy has set new benchmarks for industry upskilling and as an essential resource for travel agents seeking to stay ahead in the competitive touring sector.
With over 3,500 course completions in less than four months, the Academy has quickly established itself as a key tool for professional development. Travel agents across Australia and New Zealand are embracing the Academy’s rich curriculum, enhancing their ability to sell and manage touring products in today’s evolving market.
The CATO Touring Academy offers:
This diverse curriculum ensures that travel agents have access to the tools and insights they need to take advantage of the lucrative land focused touring sector.
Learners have praised the Academy’s content, with one agent sharing, “I’ve been in travel for more than 27 years and I have learned so many things I didn’t know existed in the world of touring.” said Rosemary Spiteri from The Curated Traveller whilst Sky Gander from Tewantin Travel noted, “The course was very engaging, with fantastic visual content and easy to navigate tutorials. I certainly gained more product knowledge, and, importantly, it cemented what to sell to whom, which I know will increase my overall conversion rate.”
“The CATO Touring Academy has been a long time in the making, and it’s great to see the high level of engagement from the trade in such a short space of time. This demonstrates an exciting trajectory for the growth in interest and demand for modern-day touring. The high value agents will gain when focusing on Touring Sales is a game-changer for the sector, said CATO's Managing Director, Brett Jardine.
“As the sector continues to gather momentum in a buoyant market, touring remains a high-value opportunity, and agents who capitalise on this are seeing strong growth in bookings” added Jardine.
The Academy provides an affordable and valuable resource for travel agents, with an annual subscription available for just $99 AUD, including GST. This subscription gives agents access to all current and updated content, sector-specific news, and a wide range of product training from CATO member brands.
To learn more about the CATO Touring Academy and to join the growing community of travel professionals, visit www.cato.travel/touring-academy-agents
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is marking its 25th anniversary with several promotions throughout the year. One of these initiatives will include the launch of a celebratory competition, designed for CATO members, travel agents, and travel industry professionals.
CATO invites industry members to delve into their archives and share their most cherished memorabilia from a quarter century of land touring. Whether it's a vibrant brochure cover, a snapshot from an unforgettable CATO event, or a photograph from a tour that felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, all submissions are welcome. These unique contributions will help paint a vivid picture of the rich history and evolution of land touring.
The lucky winner will receive:
All industry member submissions will have the distinct honour of their contributions being featured in a special video montage at the Christmas Lunch. This is a fantastic opportunity to become a part of CATO’s storied history and to share journeys with peers who cherish the spirit of travel.
“We’re excited to celebrate 25 years of supporting the land touring industry, and what better way to do it than to reflect on some of the moments that have defined our members journeys,” said Dennis Bunnik, CATO Chair
How to Enter:
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with CATO and showcase your special contribution to 25 years of land touring excellence. Join in reflecting on the journeys that have shaped the community and look forward to creating many more memories together.
Click here for more information.
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
