CATO Appoints Paola Briata to its Board of Directors

CATO (Canadian Association of Tour Operators) has announced the appointment of Paola Briata to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Briata is the VP of Contracting and Operations at Product Delivery at WorldStrides is a multilingual and accomplished travel industry executive with 30 years of international experience across the leisure, corporate, cruise, and educational travel sectors. Originally from Europe and residing in Canada for the past two decades, she brings a uniquely global perspective shaped by her extensive career and multicultural background.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paola Briata to the CATO Board,” said Brett Walker, Chair of CATO. “Her extensive global experience and unwavering commitment to the travel industry will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to our Association and its role within the travel sector. Paola’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as CATO continues its work in promoting responsible travel practices, supporting consumer protection, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the outbound travel sector”.

She began her professional journey with an Italian tour operator specializing in FIT and leisure groups before expanding her expertise across MICE, corporate, and cruise travel operations. In 2008, Paola transitioned into the educational travel sector by joining WorldStrides (formerly Explorica), where she currently serves as Vice President of Operations and a key member of the Senior Management Team.

CATO says her hands-on experience across diverse regions—including Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Africa, Latin America, Asia and North America—equips her with deep industry insight and a broad network of long-standing international relationships.

“I’m truly honoured and proud to put my experience in service of CATO,” said Briata. “It’s a privilege to support its mission and be part of a community that shares a deep commitment to shaping the future of travel.”