ATIA and ATMC Set Course for New Partnership to Strengthen Corporate Travel

ATIA and ATMC partner

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) are looking at a strategic partnership to strengthen the voice of corporate travel, protect ATMC’s independence, and deliver greater advocacy power and practical support for members.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with a Joint Venture Agreement now being developed. The proposed partnership will ensure that ATMC continues to operate with full control over its agenda, identity, and member engagement supported by dedicated funding while gaining access to ATIA’s national platform, advocacy, policy expertise, and workforce attraction initiatives.

The Joint Venture is expected to commence from 1 July 2025 and run for an initial 24-month period. During this time, ATMC will remain a dedicated, member-led committee within ATIA, with a clear commitment to transparency, autonomy, and shared decision-making. During this period ATMC members will be afforded to the opportunity to experience being part of ATIA as a formal committee. Between the 18- and 24-month timeframe, members of ATMC will vote to make this permanent.

The Benefits of the Partnership

1. Stronger Advocacy, One Unified Voice

This partnership brings together two respected voices to speak as one on key issues affecting travel management companies. Together, ATMC and ATIA will have greater influence with government and industry.

2. Independence Protected, Purpose Aligned

ATMC keeps its brand, committee and member-led governance. It remains in charge of its direction and focus and now supported by ATIA’s infrastructure and national reach. ATMC member fees will directly fund ATMC activities. A dedicated budget will be maintained and managed by the ATMC Committee within the broader ATIA framework.

3. Practical Gains for Members

Our joint TMC members will now have a strengthened collective voice and directly influence ATIA advocacy to Government and Industry suppliers without losing the personalised experience and community that defines ATMC.

Critically, it will remove unnecessary administrative processes and allow both organisations to focus on delivering real outcomes that benefit the corporate travel community.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CHAIR CHRISTIAN HUNTER:

“This partnership reflects ATIA’s commitment to supporting all sectors of the travel industry.”

“With ATIA’s national reach and advocacy strength behind it, ATMC is better equipped to deliver for members whether that’s stronger policy engagement, more workforce attraction opportunities or broader industry collaboration. For ATIA, this means stronger sector representation, greater alignment across the travel ecosystem, and a smarter, more united voice at a national level.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG:

“ATIA is the largest and most representative travel association in Australia. We have a stated objective to be an advocate for a strong and prosperous Australian Travel Sector and the coming together of ATIA and ATMC enriches the opportunities for our current and new members.

Steering Committee

To enhance our members’ interests ATIA must create strategic partnerships to drive stronger advocacy and member outcomes to effectively represent and support the interests of our members and the broader industry.

As announced as part of A30 strategy, our aim is to increase the direct feedback loops between members and the team at ATIA. Creating formal partnerships with complementary membership bodies will continue to be a focus of the Association.

For our retail, independent agencies and land supply members, we will be increasing the number of Pulse meetings to ensure all members continue to have a direct voice and say on the issues that matter to them.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATMC CHAIR PENNY SPENCER:

“This is about empowering ATMC to do more for our members without losing who we are. We remain member-led, focused on corporate travel, and in charge of our own direction. But now, we’ll be backed by ATIA’s advocacy team, government relationships, and workforce programs, which gives us the tools and scale to grow our impact nationally.

“It’s about stepping into the future with strength, sustainability and support. Our members want more influence, better access to workforce attraction initiatives, and a louder voice in shaping policy. This partnership delivers that, while protecting the culture and close connections that make ATMC special.”