Australian Travel Industry Association announces Board changes

The Australian Travel Industry Association has advised of Board changes with Shelley Beasley stepping down as a Director of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), and Katrina Barry (pictured above) joining the Board. The transition is effective as of today.

The transition follows recent changes at Webjet, with Barry appointed CEO of Webjet B2C and Beasley becoming the COO of Web Travel Group (the company previously known as Webjet Limited), once the demerger is complete.

Barry brings over 15 years of experience as a non-executive director across the tourism, fintech and financial services sectors. She previously served on the Board of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) until March 2022. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the travel industry will be invaluable to ATIA as the association continues to advocate for and support the Australian travel sector.

The Board change reflects the ongoing evolution within the travel industry and underscores ATIA’s commitment to strong governance and leadership.

ATIA Chair Christian Hunter shared “we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Shelley Beasley for her incredible service on the ATIA Board over four years. Shelley’s contributions, especially during the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, have been instrumental in guiding our industry through some of its toughest times.

“We are delighted to welcome Katrina Barry to the ATIA Board. Katrina’s extensive experience and leadership within the travel and tourism sector will be a tremendous asset to our association as we continue to navigate the complexities of the industry.”

Beasley, outgoing ATIA Director added “It has been an incredible honour to serve on the Board of the Australian Travel Industry Association for the past four years. Joining in the midst of COVID allowed me to truly appreciate the creativity, resilience and commitment that exists within this industry, and I am filled with pride when reflecting on the way we came together to support each other during this time.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Tom Manwaring for his exceptional leadership as Chair, a role he held for the majority of my time on the board. His leadership and dedication were critical in delivering the positive outcomes that ATIA was able to achieve during these tough times. And now, with Christian Hunter’s appointment to ATIA Chair, alongside Laura Ruffles and Graham Turner as Vice Chairs (and let’s not forget the continued passion of Dean Long as CEO), I am confident that our travel community remains in exceptional hands.”

“I would like to also thank my fellow board members and the entire team at ATIA for their unwavering support and collaboration along the journey. Being a part of this group has been a true high point in my professional career. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Barry incoming ATIA Director enthused “I am excited to join the ATIA Board during such a pivotal time for our industry. The travel sector is facing significant challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to contributing my experience to help guide the association and its members through these times. I am committed to supporting ATIA’s mission of advocating for and strengthening the Australian travel industry.”

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.