The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is set to transform its 2026 Travel Industry Christmas Lunch by featuring a panel of tour guides, rather than the traditional guest speaker. Scheduled for 3 December at Le Montage, Sydney, the event will host over 500 travel professionals. The panel, titled "Tales from the Road," will spotlight guides sharing humourous and unforgettable experiences from their tours.

CATO is calling on tour operators to nominate their best storytellers by submitting a one-minute video showcasing their anecdotes. This initiative aims to highlight the vital role guides play in turning itineraries into memorable experiences. Mira Yates, Director of CATO & Education at the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), emphasised, “Touring creates some of the most extraordinary and life-enriching travel experiences. And who better to showcase the power of our sector than the guides who bring those experiences to life every single day?”

The event, themed "Sparkle & Shine," encourages guests to don festive cocktail attire. It will run from 11.30am to 3.30pm, followed by an official after-party. Selected guides will receive a complimentary ticket to the lunch, providing them with a platform to represent their companies and remind the industry of their pivotal role.

Entries for the panel close on 30 September, with CATO announcing the chosen guides before the event. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the lunch and the first since CATO's integration into ATIA

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