** ATIA COMMUNITY **

As we approach the end of 2024, it is an opportunity to reflect on achievements of the past twelve months. The industry has continued to thrive as demand for travel remains high, despite the ongoing economic challenges. At an individual business level, staffing remains a major challenge which is not lost on the Association. In fact, workforce development forms one of the key pillars of ATIA's A30 Strategy announced earlier in the year and the recent addition of Travel Agency Manager to the Core Skills Occupation List is a great result of ATIA's ongoing advocacy work.

It was a thrill to be part of ATIA's core events in NTIA and Beyond Borders, ATIA's first industry conference. Feedback from the conference was outstanding and the most encouraging commentary from my perspective, was acknowledgement that ATIA understands members' key challenges and has plans in place to address them.

We have seen change at Board level, with new Directors appointed at this year's AGM. In fact, only three of the twelve current Directors were part of the Board at the start of the pandemic, so there has been significant change over time. The strength of the Board is its united approach in ensuring that the travel industry remains strong, which provides opportunity for every participant regardless of scale. I thank my fellow Directors for their support throughout the year.

I'd also like to recognise our CEO, Dean Long and the fabulous ATIA team for their unrelenting efforts and leadership that continue to shape the industry. It is genuinely appreciated.

Finally, thank you for your support of ATIA. I wish you a safe and very merry Christmas. Enjoy the celebrations with your nearest and dearest, and importantly, take the opportunity to relax and recharge the batteries for what I'm sure will be an exciting 2025!