CATO welcomes Haus & Duffy to Board, appoints GMS for comms support

The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) is strengthening both its leadership team and communications efforts with the appointment of two new board members and a new public relations and marketing partner.

Effective immediately, Leanne Haus, general manager of WestWorld Tours, and Conor Duffy, vice president of RIT Vacations, have joined CATO's Board of Directors.

The association said the appointments bolster its ability to represent members and advocate on behalf of Canada's tour operator community.

Haus brings experience in tourism operations, strategic planning, business development and customer experience, while Duffy has more than 20 years of experience in the Canadian travel industry, including product development, industry partnerships and operations in Canada and overseas.

“We are delighted to welcome Leanne and Conor to the CATO Board. Their combined operational expertise, industry knowledge and commitment to collaboration will strengthen the Board as we continue to advocate for our members and advance the interests of Canada’s tour operator community,” said Brett Walker, chair of CATO, in a press release.

Haus said joining the board presents an opportunity to help shape the industry's future.

“Joining the CATO Board is an opportunity to help advance Canada’s tour operator industry through greater collaboration, innovation and advocacy,” stated Haus. “I look forward to sharing best practices and working alongside fellow members to strengthen our industry nationwide.”

Duffy said he is looking forward to giving back to the sector.

“The travel industry has played an important role in shaping my career, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to give back through CATO,” he said. “I look forward to supporting the association’s continued success and contributing to initiatives that benefit our members, partners and travellers.”

The appointments bring CATO's board to six directors: Walker (chair), Paola Briata (vice-chair), David Green (membership and industry relations committee chair), Peter Lacy (treasurer), Haus (director) and Duffy (director).

New communications strategy

Alongside the board expansion, CATO has also announced a renewed communications and marketing strategy aimed at improving engagement with members, media, industry partners and the broader Canadian travel community.

As part of the initiative, the association has appointed Global Marketing & Sales, Inc. (GMS), a long-standing allied member of CATO, to provide public relations and marketing support.

Working with CATO's executive director and board, GMS will distribute the association's press releases and media announcements while helping highlight member expertise, advocacy efforts and industry priorities.

“CATO’s strength has always come from the experience, commitment and collaboration of its members,” said Jean Hébert, executive director of CATO, in a statement.

“This renewed communications approach will help us share their expertise and contributions more consistently, keep the industry informed about CATO’s priorities and initiatives, and demonstrate the value the association provides to Canada’s tour operator community. As a long-standing allied member, GMS understands CATO and our industry and will support us in communicating this work more effectively.”

Laura Nesteanu, global senior vice-president and managing director, Canada, at GMS, said the company is honoured to support the association's outreach efforts.

“As proud members of tourism associations around the world, we have always valued the important role they play in serving the travel industry. We are honoured to support CATO’s renewed communications efforts, working alongside its Executive Director, Board and long-standing members to amplify their initiatives and strengthen connections with members, media and the broader industry.”

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