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David Hosking joins ATIA board

David is a lifetime travel industry leader, serving as both a director and c-level executive in one of the largest private global Tourism businesses. The Travel Corporation (TTC) operates over 40 award-winning travel and hospitality brands that span across 70 countries. Family-owned and run since 1920, TTC is the world leader in immersive travel experiences.

David’s passion for travel began as a trip leader for Contiki in 1976, quickly progressing in his career to oversee Contiki’s dynamic expansion, setting up operations and offices in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and America. David became Contiki CEO in 1990 and remains a director of the company.

In 1996 David established the TTC Geneva office with expanded TTC group responsibilities that included global insurance. He became a director of the Travel Corporation in 2001. David along with TTC Global CEO Brett Tollman created the Swiss-based TreadRight Foundation in 2009. David has been a Director of TTC Australia since 2012 and CEO since early 2021.

The appointment to fill a casual vacancy was approved at today’s final Board meeting of the year, held in Sydney.

The Board was also updated on the significant volume of advocacy work that has been achieved, led by ATIA’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. In the last quarter alone, the following submissions were lodged to ensure Travel has a voice in the decision making:

• Fiji, Indonesia and Malaysia Air Services Arrangements
• Aviation Green Paper
• Unfair Trading Practices

ATIA continues to be active in discussions with political leaders in Canberra. Engagements in the last quarter have included key Ministers and Senators and their offices, including the Minsiter for Trade and Tourism, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Assistant Minister for Competition and Charities and Treasury and Senator O’Neill. ATIA has also met with a number of Opposition Shadow Ministers, including Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

The key items on the agenda included the economic importance of the travel industry, aviation competition, unfair conduct, price parity arrangements and skills and training.

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CHAIR TOM MANWARING
“It’s been a massive year of achievement for ATIA and we are delighted to welcome a Director of David Hosking’s calibre to the Board and have TTC rejoin the Board. We have always been dedicated to mirroring the diversity of the Travel industry at Board level to ensure we support the broad membership base. We became the Australian Travel Industry Association in August because of this commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive sector representation.”

“David Hosking’s addition to the Board is testament to this commitment and to our ongoing efforts to embrace and support the rich tapestry of the Travel Industry.”

“A huge thank you to our Directors, to our members and to all those that stepped up to voluntarily take on roles to advance the Travel sector in this country. On behalf of our Board, I’d also like to thank and congratulate ATIA CEO Dean Long and his team for a year of significant impact.”

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO NEW ATIA DIRECTOR DAVID HOSKING
“In my conversations with the Board and Dean over the past year, I’ve been very impressed with the vision to enhance the Association’s effectiveness and broaden industry representation at Board level. The shift to embracing a wider scope of travel professionals is a move I wholeheartedly support."

“By including voices from various facets of the industry such as tour operators and non-travel agent entities, we can significantly extend our reach and influence. I am pleased to join the Board at this pivotal moment and contribute to ATIA’s dynamic future.”