Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions Travel Group, has been inducted into the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The accolade was presented at the CATO Members Dinner and Hall of Fame Awards in Sydney on 25 June, recognising her over 30 years of leadership and contributions to the adventure travel industry.
Since joining World Expeditions in 1986 and becoming CEO in 1999, Badyari has transformed the company from a single-brand adventure travel firm in Australia into a global entity with 17 specialist travel brands. The group now operates internationally, with offices in London, Sydney, New Zealand, and Canada. Under her leadership, World Expeditions has pioneered numerous initiatives, including porter, child, and animal welfare policies, carbon offsetting, and community-based tourism programmes.
Badyari's efforts have also led to significant achievements, such as the first commercial operation of the 1,700-kilometre Nepal traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail and the development of eco-comfort camps on the Larapinta Trail. She expressed gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, "I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. Adventure travel has changed enormously since I joined World Expeditions in 1986, but the values that underpin it have not."
Beyond her role at World Expeditions, Badyari is a respected advocate for responsible tourism and sustainable business practices. She has also championed opportunities for women in leadership within the travel industry. Her induction into the CATO Hall of Fame underscores her lasting impact on the industry and her commitment to fostering meaningful travel experiences
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