travel association-news

Dennis Bunnik, long-serving CATO chair, announces departure after 11 years in 2026. The decision coincides with a proposed merger between CATO and ATIA, signaling major shifts in Australia's tour operator landscape.

Envoyage strengthens member support with strategic appointments. Tracy Backshall joins as Global Head of Product, Caitlyn Paris as Content Manager, and Sharyn Ulcoq as Australia Business Development Partner in 2026.

Destinations International launches its inaugural virtual advocacy day in 2026, bringing together global tourism leaders to advance shared policy goals and strengthen community impact across international travel destinations.

Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch discusses luxury travel's uncertain outlook in a travel interview video from Seoul Symposium 2026, revealing how premium networks adapt to market volatility and expand globally.

ATIA and CATO propose landmark merger creating unified Australian travel industry body from July 2026. Both boards endorse consolidation to strengthen advocacy and member representation across agents, operators, and wholesalers.

Dennis Bunnik exits as CATO chair after 11 years in 2026, coinciding with a proposed merger between the Council of Australian Tour Operators and the Australian Travel Industry Association, signaling major shifts in industry leadership.

Hotel Association of India backs PM Modi's domestic travel initiative, projecting substantial growth for hospitality across Tier-II and Tier-III cities in 2026. HAI cites employment and infrastructure benefits.

Travel Agents Federation of India shifts 2026 convention to Rhodes, Greece (October 4–7), marking strategic pivot from Southeast Asia to Mediterranean market expansion and European partnerships.

US Special Presidential Envoy Nick Adams delivered his inaugural global address at WTTC in Egypt, signaling renewed American commitment to global tourism recovery and policy leadership in 2026.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams delivered his first international address at the World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Egypt, signaling renewed American commitment to global travel sector recovery in 2026.

Brand USA expands its Global Ambassador Program to India, recruiting travel trade ambassadors to boost US inbound tourism ahead of America250 celebrations in 2026.

Australia's travel industry reaches 350 signatories for the Destination Canada Pledge in 2026, with Flight Centre and Helloworld leading regenerative tourism adoption across the region.