3 March 2026 — Highly respected travel industry leader Emmalita Malmberg is the new National Manager - Corporate Partnerships at the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), commencing 9 March.

With more than 20 years' experience across agency leadership, operations and consortium management, Emmalita brings deep commercial expertise and a proven track record of building high-performing partnerships that deliver real value to members and stakeholders.

She joins ATIA from Link Travel Group, where she has led national account management, supplier partnerships and strategic growth initiatives across the consortium network . Prior to that, she spent over 17 years with a corporate TMC in senior leadership roles spanning operations, finance and HR - experience that gives her an intimate understanding of the commercial realities and compliance landscape facing ATIA members.

Based in Queensland and reporting to ATIA's Director of Compliance and Membership, Nina Hedges, Emmalita will lead the expansion of ATIA's corporate partnerships and sponsorship portfolio, with a strong focus on growing support for the NTIAs and Beyond Borders. Her appointment reinforces ATIA's commitment to securing strategic investment that amplifies industry initiatives, strengthens member value, and supports the continued evolution of Australia's travel sector.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG

“Emmalita brings a rare combination of commercial acumen, operational expertise and genuine passion for our industry. Her deep experience across consortium, agency and leadership roles means she understands exactly what matters to our members and partners.”

“As ATIA continues to shape the landscape our members operate in, strong corporate partnerships are essential. Emmalita will play a critical role in expanding sponsorships for the NTIAs and Beyond Borders, ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful value and opportunities for engagement across the industry.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO EMMALITA MALMBERG:

“I'm genuinely thrilled to be joining ATIA, the peak body for an industry that has given me so much over the past 20 years.”

“Travel is a community and a career I truly love. The opportunity to give back to the industry that's shaped my professional life means a great deal.”

“What stood out to me most was ATIA's positive, collaborative culture and its commitment to going 'Above and Beyond' for members. I'm excited to work alongside the team to grow partnerships that support our members and strengthen the industry we're all so passionate about.”

Media contact: LJ Loch lj.loch@atia.travel or 0488 038 555

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About ATIA (www.atia.travel):

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia's $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.
 
In 2025, ATIA members booked $13.5 Billion TTV of retail bookings, $11.8 Billion of Corporate Bookings and $5.6 Billion of Land Operations. Typically, at least 70% of all international air sales in Australia are through our members, and over 90% of corporate sales (medium and large businesses), rather than directly through airlines. Whereas with cruises, 73% of travellers use travel advisors to book.
 
An impressive 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.
 
ATIA administers the ATIA Accredited program which is the largest and most representative accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia. ATIA represents over 1,120 ATAS members and over 28,000 employees nationwide, directly supporting 16.98 million Australian travellers every year.