The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has officially inducted two industry pioneers into its newly established Hall of Fame, capping off a successful first-ever CATO Summit held in Sydney yesterday.
Recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sector, Intrepid Travel co-founder Darrell Wade and CATO co-founder Peter Baily have been named the inaugural Hall of Fame members.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of the sold-out summit and shortly after CATO’s Annual General Meeting, which saw changes to the board’s composition.
Two new directors have joined the board: Amanda Highfield, General Manager of Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre, and Chris Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Globus family of brands.
The appointments follow the departure of outgoing directors Julie King and Yvette Thompson, who opted not to stand for re-election.
Dennis Bunnik was re-elected unopposed for a sixth consecutive term as Chair, continuing his long-standing leadership within the organisation. James O’Donnell (The Travel Corporation) and Martin Edwards (The Explorer Society) also return for another term.
Five directors remain mid-term and were not subject to re-election: Lisa Pagotto of Crooked Compass (Vice-Chair), Aaron Zoanetti of Frontera Law, Ingrid Berthelsen of Evolution Travel Collective, Brad McDonnell of Entire Travel Group, and Sean Martin of G Adventures.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine welcomed the continuity brought by the current board lineup.
“The ongoing presence of Dennis, along with our mid-term and returning directors, ensures continuity and a depth of insight as CATO continues its important work exclusively representing tour operators and wholesalers,” Jardine said.
The Hall of Fame launch and leadership announcements signal a new chapter for CATO as it expands its industry engagement and advocacy through events such as the inaugural summit.
