TORONTO — The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) has appointed two industry veterans as its new chair and vice-chair: Tim Croyle, Vice President, WestJet Vacations, and Brett Walker, General Manager Canada, Collette, respectively.

Croyle follows Jeff Element, President, The Travel Corporation, whose term as chairman ended last month.

“I am honoured to be taking on the role of CATO chair to carry on the great work done by Jeff Element for all our members,” said Croyle. “CATO works diligently on behalf of all outbound tour operators in Canada, large and small, representing their interests to all levels of government at home and abroad.”

Currently, CATO is involved in the review and changes to the Ontario Travel Industry Act and Regulations, and is also cooperating with IATA and ACTA in developing credit card fraud prevention through the Canadian Travel Fraud Prevention Group, and FraudChasers, a global online fraud information-sharing platform. It is also facilitating discussions on weather and health concerns that are impacting the industry, and coordinating with government agencies as well as foreign governments.

In other appointment news, Patrice Geske has been promoted by the Globus family of brands to the new position of director of marketing. She continues to work out of the company’s Canadian office in Toronto.

Commenting on the news, Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands in Canada, said: “Patrice has proven to be a huge asset to our company since joining us almost nine years ago as our marketing manager. She has assumed increasing responsibilities in supporting and implementing our corporate goals and strategies and I know will excel in her new role.

Geske can be reached at pgeske@globusfamily.ca.