The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and Axelo, a cybersecurity and technology group, have announced a joint webinar scheduled for 4 August, targeting the travel industry's growing reliance on artificial intelligence. The session aims to equip travel businesses—from tour operators to agencies—with practical guidance on deploying AI tools without compromising customer data or operational integrity.
As AI adoption accelerates across the sector, many companies are integrating systems that may not be fully secure, exposing sensitive information such as passport numbers and banking details. The webinar will address these vulnerabilities head-on, offering a roadmap for safe and effective AI use.
Key topics and expert insights
Axelo CEO Nik Devidas will lead the discussion, covering where AI can genuinely save time and where it may inadvertently create additional workload. Attendees will learn how to assess the reliability of AI outputs, understand the capabilities of AI agents, and recognize the importance of human oversight in automated processes.
The session will also delve into data risks associated with free AI tools, ownership of AI-generated content, and compliance with Australian privacy laws—a critical concern for travel firms handling cross-border customer information.
“Our webinar with Axelo will give members clear guidance and assurance about AI’s limitations and tools for using it safely,” said Mira Yates, Director of CATO and Education.
Devidas echoed this sentiment, stating, “AI is a very powerful product that, if used correctly, will boost your business but at the same time, managing cybersecurity risks is essential.”
The initiative comes as travel technology vendors increasingly embed AI into booking platforms and customer service tools. For Australian operators, the webinar offers a timely opportunity to align with best practices, especially given the country's strict privacy regulations.
CATO members and other travel professionals are encouraged to register for the session, which promises actionable insights and practical tools for ethical AI adoption. The collaboration underscores a broader industry trend: as AI becomes ubiquitous, so does the need for robust governance.
For those unable to attend, CATO plans to share key takeaways through its member network. The webinar is part of a wider effort to support Australian travel businesses in navigating digital transformation while maintaining customer trust.
Travel professionals interested in AI's role in the sector may also find value in recent discussions on AI confidence scores in hotel discovery, which highlight similar challenges in data reliability and consumer trust.
As the travel industry rebounds, the focus on secure AI implementation is likely to intensify. This webinar represents a proactive step for Australian operators to stay ahead of both technological and regulatory curves.
