We take a very human approach to issues and challenges – we listen – we discuss – we work together and with all parties involved – we strive for consensus.
Advocacy
We speak with one voice by and for all members We are the collective voice of the travel industry and speak up on issues that matter to our members, key stakeholders, and partners. We put our best foot forward and raise awareness on what matters most, whether that’s lobbying with the government, drafting new legislation, or fighting for the implementation of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Data Intelligence
The strength of our voice is in our numbers CATO shares, collects and curates data on behalf of its members and the industry. CATO’s most recent Economic Impact Assessment (pub. 2021) reported members generated more than $7 billion dollars in revenue, employed more than 4,700 full-time employees, 73% of whom were women, and contributed over a billion dollars in federal and provincial taxes.
Collaboration
We build strength through unity There’s strength in unity. CATO leads the charge on open discussions, emphasizes the underlying importance of collaboration and peer-to-peer networking, and strives to create an environment in which all members feel valued and heard, regardless of brand, size of company or notoriety.
Industry Think Tank
CATO provides a secure environment and platform to facilitate discussions on industry or regulatory issues by providing uninhibited and unlimited access to real-time discussions. Topics and forums are either presented to members or curated by members.
Education
Exclusive access to knowledge experts CATO provides a series of engaging seminars, lectures, and presentations to its members and actively facilitates new learning opportunities whenever possible. We believe in keeping our members well-informed and up-to-date on the most pressing industry issues.
Guidelines
CATO is committed to developing and enhancing the synchronization of members on issues of shared concern and common good. Such issues may be as straightforward as ensuring a level playing field to intricate best practices for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).
Our Principles And What CATO Believes In
Representative
We represent all tour operators big or small, niche or mass, and anyone in between.
Inclusive
We wish to reflect and represent the make-up and diversity of our industry
Accessible
We are removing historical and financial barriers, enabling more members to join
Equitable
Every voice matters! We foster a fair, respectful, transparent and open environment
Progressive
We seek to make our industry better, more responsible and rise to new heights
Collective
Stronger together: we work as team leveraging our members diverse expertise
CATO Board of Directors
Jean Hébert
CATO Executive Director
Jean has 40 years of experience in federal and provincial public administrations, serving as a political advisor and Chief of Staff. He excels in strategic planning, government relations, and advocacy. He has extensive knowledge of government mechanics. He served on the TICO Board of Directors from 2011 to 2021 and was elected Chair from 2015 to 2021. He was also a Public Member of the Ontario Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee (JAAC). He is currently a consultant and active in his community, residing in Ottawa.
Brett Walker
Chair
Brett started his career in travel more than 30 years ago. Apart from his current position as General Manager, International Operations for Collette, he has always been an advocate for the industry and served more than 5 years for the TICO Board. Since 2019 he holds the chair position for CATO which continues to transform under Brett’s leadership, most notably in advocating for government support throughout the pandemic, unveiling new branding, mission and a more enhanced, progressive mandate.
Paola Briata
Vice-Chair
Paola Briata, VP of Contracting and Operations Product Delivery at WorldStrides. She is a multilingual and accomplished travel industry executive with 30 years of international experience across the leisure, corporate, cruise, and educational travel sectors. Originally from Europe and residing in Canada for the past two decades, she brings a uniquely global perspective shaped by her extensive career and multicultural background.
David Green
Chair, Membership and Industry Relations Committee
David is the Managing Director for G Adventures in Canada and is also the Global VP for Sales and Customer Operations. As an MBA graduate, he has almost 30 years’ experience in business strategy across retail, travel retail and travel wholesale backgrounds. David is a passionate supporter of driving positive change within the industry, including helping businesses, agents and customers to do more to support community tourism and sustainability.
Peter Lacy
Treasurer
As part of Goway's senior management team, Peter brings over 35 years of extensive travel industry experience. He has been instrumental in driving strategic growth and operational change across multiple distribution channels, including trade and retail, as well as in both leisure and corporate travel sectors. His leadership has spanned diverse geographic markets, including North America and Australasia.
Conor Duffy
Director
Conor is Vice President of RIT Vacations and has over 20 years of experience in the Canadian travel industry. He has played a key role in the company's growth and evolution, helping to expand its presence across Canada while leading product development, strengthening industry partnerships, and supporting operations in both Canada and overseas. As a Director, Conor is passionate about giving back to the industry that has shaped his career and ensuring its continued success for the benefit of members, partners, and travellers alike.
Leanne Haus
Director
Leanne Haus is the General Manager of WestWorld Tours, bringing extensive experience in tourism operations, strategic planning, business development, and customer experience. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating exceptional travel experiences while driving organizational growth and operational excellence. As a Director of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), Leanne is committed to supporting the advancement of Canada’s tour operator industry through collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and the sharing of best practices that strengthen the travel sector nationwide.
Tour Operators and Our Supporting Members
The following members exemplify the strength and diversity of CATO’s community. Our membership includes many of Canada’s leading travel brands, long-established independent businesses, niche specialists, and emerging startups. Alongside our supporting members and partners, they demonstrate a shared commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing the travel industry.
Tour Operators
Start-Up Members
Supporting Members
