kabarsula Brad McDonnell joins ATIA Accreditation Advisory Committee bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Entire Travel Group managing director Brad McDonnell will join ATIA’s Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC) as the association continues to deliver on the CATO/ATIA Merger Deed.

The Deed required CATO to appoint an interim member to the AAC until the next appointment window in 2027. CATO will then review nominations and recommend to the ATIA Board.

ATIA acting CEO and CATO and education director Mira Yates said the appointment reflected the integration progressing as planned.

“The CATO and ATIA integration is working the way the Deed said it would, and Brad’s appointment is a great example. He brings a career in wholesale distribution, so the CATO membership has a strong voice on the AAC from day one. Come 2027, CATO will review the nominations and recommend to the ATIA Board, so the pathway is clear.”

McDonnell said his wholesale distribution background informed his view of the value of accreditation.

“Having spent my travel career in wholesale distribution and working closely with tour operators and travel agents, I’ve seen firsthand the value of strong industry standards and trusted local partnerships.” he said. “That’s why accreditation matters to me, and it’s why I’m so pleased to be bringing additional insights from the CATO membership’s experience into this work.”

He also pointed to changes in the market and the benefits of the merger.

“As more foreign-based DMCs and travel businesses enter the Australian market, accreditation is becoming an increasingly important point of distinction. The merger of CATO into ATIA gives our industry the opportunity to come together under a common accreditation framework, with suppliers and travel agents working together and being held to the same standards.

“It also means we can speak with one voice about what accreditation means and the standards that underpin it. That matters when agents are choosing the suppliers they trust and partner with, and ultimately gives consumers greater confidence in the businesses behind their travel arrangements.”

The AAC is chaired by David Walker, with Gina Norman as vice chair. Other members are Brett Dann, Lauren Gray, Karen Deveson, Scott Darlow, Chad Carey, Rebecca Day, Stephen Brady, Kylee Ellerton and Judy Tanner.

The committee is the primary body guiding ATIA’s accreditation scheme, advising on standards from solvency requirements to complaints resolution. It played a central role in the review of the ATAS Charter and Code, working with state and territory governments, the Consumer Federation of Australia and CHOICE.

Travellers can find an ATIA Accredited travel professional at traveltick.com.au.