Following a well-received gathering in Brisbane, the Beyond Borders on the Road (BBOTR) networking series is expanding to Adelaide on 20 July and Perth on 22 July. The events, organized by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), aim to connect travel professionals across key Australian markets.
The Brisbane event attracted more than 100 participants, including suppliers, consortia members, and travel agents from across Queensland. Attendees engaged in discussions on industry trends, with a focus on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s surcharging policies and updates from ATIA’s leadership team. Nicole O’Sullivan, a prominent industry figure, reminded the audience that travel remains fundamentally about fulfilling dreams.
Affordable Networking for Industry Professionals
Tickets for the upcoming events are priced at $55 for ATIA members and $110 for non-members, making them accessible for a wide range of travel businesses. Dean Long, CEO of ATIA, expressed enthusiasm about the Brisbane turnout and the expansion to Adelaide and Perth. “ATIA is thrilled with the turnout for Brisbane and we’re looking forward to bringing BBOTR to Adelaide and Perth to continue this momentum before the Beyond Borders Summit in October,” Long said.
ATIA represents Australia’s $70.6 billion travel industry, supporting travel agents, corporate agents, and tour operators. The association notes that 92% of its members are small businesses, and women make up 72% of the workforce. ATIA administers the largest accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia, ensuring high standards across the sector.
The BBOTR series provides a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, covering topics such as payment surcharging, regulatory updates, and market trends. The events are particularly relevant for travel agents and tour operators looking to stay informed and connected. For those interested in broader industry developments, recent reports on hidden bank fees squeezing travel margins highlight the financial pressures facing the sector.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, events like BBOTR offer valuable opportunities for professionals to exchange insights and build relationships. The Adelaide and Perth editions are expected to draw strong attendance, reflecting the demand for in-person networking in the post-pandemic era.
For travel agents and tour operators, staying connected with industry bodies like ATIA is crucial. The association’s accreditation scheme provides a benchmark for quality and reliability, which is increasingly important as travelers seek trusted advice. Meanwhile, the broader travel landscape is seeing shifts, such as the expansion of luxury offerings in destinations like the Maldives, where near-airport resorts are gaining an edge among high-end travelers.
The BBOTR series also aligns with the upcoming Beyond Borders Summit in October, which will bring together industry leaders from across Australia and beyond. The summit is expected to address key challenges and opportunities, including technology adoption, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences.
Travel professionals interested in attending the Adelaide or Perth events can register through ATIA’s website. With affordable pricing and a focus on practical insights, the BBOTR series remains a key fixture in Australia’s travel industry calendar.
