After an eight-year tenure, the travel organisation specialist will depart to focus on a bigger battle.
Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) managing director Brett Jardine has announced he will step down from his role at the end of the week to focus on the final stages of his cancer treatment and to prioritise his health and wellbeing.
Jardine has led the organisation for eight years, having joined CATO in early 2018 – he had previously led CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Australasia for almost 10 years.
“This is about focusing my energy where it matters most right now, my health and recovery,” Jardine said in a statement.
“It has also reinforced for me how important it is that we continue to have open conversations around prostate cancer and men’s health more broadly.”
CATO chair Dennis Bunnik lauded Jardine’s significant contribution to the organisation and the broader touring sector.
“Brett has been instrumental in shaping CATO into the strong and respected industry body it is today,” Bunnik said.
“His leadership through the COVID years ensured our sector remained visible, connected and supported during an incredibly challenging time.”
CATO listed Jardine’s tenure highlights as securing government funding for members through the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program and delivering meaningful financial support to help operators rebuild international supply chains and reconnect with global partners post-COVID.
Speaking to Travel Daily last night, Jardine said, “I’m certainly not retiring, just taking a well-earned break, and I look forward to staying connected with the industry in the future.”
CATO has yet to announce a replacement for Jardine.
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.