Meet, mingle, enjoy: Baxter Media welcomes CATO and its members at its Toronto headquarters

Baxter Media demonstrated its appreciation for members of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) Thursday evening, appreciation that was immediately returned by the association.

The company once again hosted CATO members at its Toronto office, with company president David McClung thanking those members directly.

“We do appreciate you’re taking the time to come and see us,” he said. “It’s really a pleasure to say the least.

“CATO members are always welcome here.”

It was the second straight year Baxter Media hosted the gathering.

“It’s always wonderful getting together with CATO members and associate members, and we look forward to supporting each other in the future,” added Baxter Media publisher Mitchell McClung.

CATO executive director Jean Hebert said he welcomed seeing a large group of CATO members together.

“You are all competitors on paper but colleagues and friends in the real world,” Hebert said.

Hebert also thanked Baxter Media, saying it tells “our stories …with professionalism.”

Baxter Media was also thanked by CATO chair Brett Walker for its work on behalf of it.

“Thank you for your support,” he told the gathering. “I know we’re always welcome here. We really, really do appreciate your support.”

The event also got the thumbs up from Maurizio Mazzola of Globus, who said he “loved the evening. It’s a great event.” Mazzola — an amateur magician who performed card tricks during the event — was grateful to see the Baxter archives, saying “just the history of the company was impressive.”

Among those attending was Paola Briata of Toronto-based WorldStrides, which schools people wanting to make tourism a career, and who welcomed the opportunity to mingle with others in tourism.

“It was amazing to mingle with friends from the industry,” said Brita, who thanked Baxter Meia for hosting the event.

Meanwhile, David McClung noted that Baxter Media will again hold its successful Travel Press Live on June 15 and 16, and its much-celebrated Gala next June 17, using the same Toronto venue for the Gala.

Hebert in turn reported that there are several upcoming CATO developments, including webinars and a European Travel Commission event on Nov. 18 that will see tour operators, travel agents and tourist boards on hand.