The Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) is celebrating a significant milestone in 2026, marking 40 years of supporting independent travel agents across Australia.

Founded in 1986 by a group of passionate independent travel professionals including Jim Clements and Kevin Dale, ATAC was created with a simple but powerful vision: to ensure independent travel businesses could thrive by working together.

Four decades later, that vision remains at the heart of the organisation.

While the Australian travel landscape has evolved dramatically over the past 40 years, with consolidation, changing business models and the rise of large corporate networks, ATAC has continued to evolve alongside the industry with the same clear purpose of championing the success and sustainability of independent travel agents.

ATAC CEO Michelle Emerton said the milestone is not just a celebration of longevity, but of the strength and resilience of the independent travel community.

“ATAC was founded on the belief that independent agents are stronger when they collaborate,” Emerton said.

“Over the past 40 years the industry has changed significantly, but the importance of independence has never been clearer. Independent agents bring expertise, personal service and entrepreneurial spirit to our industry, and ATAC exists to ensure they continue to thrive.”

As the only genuine co-operative buying group in the Australian travel sector, ATAC provides its members with access to preferred partnerships, commercial opportunities and a supportive community of like-minded business owners.

Throughout its history the organisation has adapted and grown, navigating industry disruption, economic challenges and most recently the global pandemic. Today ATAC is experiencing strong momentum, with strong engagement from both members and supplier partners.

To mark the milestone year, ATAC has introduced a special 40 year anniversary logo, which will feature across its communications and events throughout 2026.

The Co-operative is also continuing to invest in its future, with the launch of a new public website designed to attract the next generation of independent travel entrepreneurs, along with a brand new member member platform to further strengthen connection and collaboration across the network.

The highlight of the celebrations will take place in September when members and partners gather in Sydney for the ATAC Future Focus Conference & AGM, hosted at the iconic Pier One Sydney Harbour.

The annual conference has become a key event for ATAC members, combining industry insights, partner engagement and professional development with the strong sense of community that defines the co-operative.

“Future Focus is always a special moment for our community, but celebrating 40 years together in Sydney will make this year particularly meaningful,” Emerton said.

“The conference brings together independent agents from across the country along with our valued supplier partners for several days of learning, connection and celebration, all set against the incredible backdrop of Sydney Harbour.”

While much has changed since ATAC was founded in 1986, its core mission remains unchanged: to ensure independent travel agents have the support, commercial strength and community they need to succeed.

As ATAC enters its fifth decade, the organisation says its focus remains firmly on the future, continuing to champion independence in an industry where collaboration has never been more important.

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ATAC Celebrates 40 Years of Independence