In the late 1980s a small group of leading Australian travel agents met in Fiji. Disenchanted by the commercial strictures imposed by the retail franchise agency business model, their meeting concluded with the formation of the Australian Travel Agents' Co-operative, known colloquially as ATAC.

This decision paved the way for true independence in the retail travel market, and empowered members to drive their own business, free of the demands and limitations imposed on most other agencies. Over the years the co-operative has grown into a driving force in the Australian travel industry; providing genuine competitive advantage to its members, and true travel variety and affordability to their clients.

ATAC is regarded as the "best value independent alternative for the Australian travel industry"

Each year since its formation, ATAC has negotiated market-leading preferred supplier arrangements with the cream of industry wholesalers and consolidators, and rewarded loyal, hard-working members with annual disbursements directly related to their support of preferred suppliers.