Thursday, March 14, 2024
On the past Thursday, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) hosted its 2nd annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Luncheon. This vibrant occasion united over 200 industry leaders, influencers, and forward-thinkers to honor the accomplishments of women in the travel sector.
Set against the backdrop of Brisbane’s esteemed Calile Hotel, the CATO IWD Luncheon proved to be a remarkable success. Gathering a notable assembly of professionals, the event centered around the theme “Our Rising Stars,” spotlighting the emerging female leaders of tomorrow. Hosted by CATO Vice-Chair, Lisa Pagotto, a panel discussion showcased these promising individuals.
Moreover, attendees were treated to an insightful keynote address by acclaimed Australian Author, Travel Writer, Environmentalist, and Creative Mentor, Nina Karnikowski. Karnikowski’s talk emphasized the importance of mindful travel, inspiring guests to approach their journeys with greater awareness.
Brett Jardine, CATO Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s impact, stating, “The success of our IWD Luncheon underscores CATO’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the travel industry. We are delighted to see the positive response from our members and the broader community.”
Guests were privileged to gain insights from prominent industry figures, including Toni Ambler, Managing Director of TTC Tour Brands, and Jaclyn Leible-Cote, President of Collette. Their contributions laid the groundwork for significant discussions and networking opportunities, underscoring CATO’s commitment to nurturing an industry that is more inclusive and equitable.
Jardine extended his thanks to sponsors of the event, The Travel Corporation (Major), Collette (Welcome Event), Entire Travel Group and Bunnik Tours (Supporting) and added, “As CATO continues to champion diversity and recognise the invaluable contributions of women in travel, the IWD Luncheon stands as a testament to CATO’s commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community for all industry professionals”.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
