CT Partners, Australia’s third-largest travel buying group, wrapped up its landmark 20th annual conference in Hội An, Vietnam.

This year’s conference essentially positioned the network for sustained growth.

With Singapore Airlines as the major conference sponsor, this year’s event brought together top industry leaders and members to celebrate CT Partners’ achievements, strengthen partnerships, and chart a course for future success.

CT Partners chief executive Matt Masson said of the event: “This year’s conference was a tremendous success, bringing our members together to strategise, align our goals, and engage in open discussions that reinforce our shared purpose while having a whole lot of fun. It’s inspiring to see CT Partners’ members support each other in creating and growing successful businesses. Our network thrives because of this collaboration, and we’re more committed than ever to driving value and fostering an environment where every member can excel.”

Unique activities

Among the conference’s highlights were the engaging “Sponsor Speed-Dating” session, which enabled personalised, one-on-one conversations between CT Partners members and key suppliers, and an insight into Vietnam’s DNA from Mark Bowyer, an Australian who is a pioneer in immersive travel and an authority on SE Asia having spent 30 years living in Vietnam.

CT Partners’ commitment to building transparent, collaborative relationships with and across the membership and with suppliers is vital to its collective approach in Australia’s competitive travel sector.

The conference concluded on a high note with a team-building exercise through Hội An’s historic Old Town, fostering camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose among attendees. 

This was followed by a popular “Lunch and Learn” session at Miss Vy’s, a renowned culinary destination, where delegates enjoyed a unique cultural and educational experience that epitomised the network’s focus on innovation and growth.

Achievements and elections

The conference also celebrated CT Partners’ impressive financial results, with Total Transaction Value (TTV) exceeding $2 billion for FY24, driven by $1 billion in preferred airline production. 

Members also enjoyed record overrides of $26 million—a 48% increase from FY23—highlighting the power of CT Partners’ member-centric model, which maximises value through collective buying power and a robust supplier network.

At the annual general meeting held during the event, members welcomed Anna McMurtrie of Wentworth Travel to the Board, following her election to succeed long-standing director and founding member Mark Chaskiel of FBI Travel. Mark, a respected figure and instrumental leader, will continue as an active member of CT Partners, contributing his industry expertise.