November 2024

Industry Welcomes New Tourism Australia Board Appointments
20 November 2024:  Peak industry bodies the Australian Hotels Association and Accommodation Australia have welcomed the latest appointments to the board of Tourism Australia.  AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson said the appointment of Accommmodation Australia's National Policy Director Jenny Lambert to the Board was great news, along with the appointment of serving board member, former AHA South Australia CEO Ian Horne, to Deputy Chair.

Hotel Leaders Gather for Market Update
20 November 2024:  More than 120 General Managers and other senior staff from the State's leading hotels gathered at the Hilton Sydney recently for the Accommodation Australia NSW Hotel market and Economic Outlook Update.  AA NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said the overall message from all four guest spealers was positive, despite the ongoing cost of living pressures and global uncertainty.

Hotel Occupancy Stable Despite Cost of Living Pressure
11 November 2024:  The nation's peak accommodation body said new data shows hotel stays were stable in September despite cost-of-living pressures slowing growth.  Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the latest data market report from STR shows September 2024 occupancy at 72.7% up just 0.6% on September 2023 (72.1%).

Sydney Marathon World Status A Win For Accommodation
04 November 2024:  NSW's peak accommodation body has welcomed news the Sydney Marathon has been added to the Abbot World Marathon Majors Series.  Sydney is the seventh city, and only one in the southern hemisphere, to qualify for the elite status which includes marathons in Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, London and New York City.

October 2024

Card Surcharges
15 October 2024:  Today the Federal Government announced it is prepared to ban debit card surcharges - subject to further work by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and safeguards to ensure both small businesses and consumers can benefit from lower costs. AHA national CEO Stephen Ferguson said the cost of electronic payments for business is significant and “the AHA is already engaged with the RBA on this issue.” 

Skills, Training and Western Sydney Growth Top Agenda at Peak Accommodation Meeting
09 October 2024:  Migration, skills, training, apprenticeships - and a renewed focus on Western Sydney - dominated discussion at a recent Accommodation Australia NSW State Advisory Committee Meeting.


September 2024

Industry Welcomes Melbourne Airport's Third Runway
13 September 2024:  Accommodation Australia has welcomed news Melbourne Airport's long-awaited third runway has been cleared for construction by the Federal Government.  Accommodation Australia (Victoria) General Manager, Dougal Hollis said the key infrastructure project, scheduled to commence construction in 2025 and open in 2031, could no come at a better time for Melbourne.

August 2024

Hotels Named Some of Australia's Best Places to Work
26 August 2024:  Two hotel groups have been named in the list of top ten places to work in the nations.  Hilton was ranked as the number two best place to work in Australia by global authority on workplace culture, 'Great Place To Work' and Marriott International was named number four.

A New Era as the Accommodation Australia Board Meets in Camberra
19 August 2024:  The Accommodation Australia (AA) Board has cemented its new team in at iits national Board Meeting in Canberra, with in-comin CEO James Goodwin attending his first meeting, and a new Board Vice-Chair elected in IHG Hotels and Resorts' Emma Hynes.

New CEO for Nation's Top Accommodation Body
07 August 2024:  Accommodation Australia (AA) has a new CEO, with respected former boss of the Australian Airports Association, James Goodwin, to head the peak accommodation body from 1 September 2024.

July 2024
Records Smashed at Accommodation Industry's Illustrious Night of Nights
19 July 2024:  Records were smashed at this year's illustrious Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence a the state's best properties and operators were celebrated before a crowdof more than 700 guests.

NSW accommodation and hospitality celebrated at awards night
19 July 2024:  Visitor economy success stories were celebrated at the NSW Accommodation Awards for Excellence at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney on 18 July 2024.  The best of the best across a wide range of categories were honoured at the black-tie event, with Destination NSW proudly sponsoring two of the biggest awards of the night.

Industry welcomes Melbourne Airport Rail Link News
09 July 2024:  Accommodation Australia has welcomed news the Melbourne Airport Rail Link has been cleared for construction, following the resolution of an impasse between the State Government and Melbourne Airport an agreement that an above ground rail option will be constructed by 2033.

June2024
VIVID Sydney Heats Up Occupancy Rates Despite Poor Weather
25 June 2024:  Following the largest opening night on record, the annual VIVID Sydney event once again provided a much-needed boost for Sydney hotels, attracting thousands of visitors to the CBD and bolstering hotel occupancy rates.

Tourism Boost Good News for Accommodation
18 June 2024:  Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said increased support for tourism, nightlife and major events in today's state budget was welcome news for the Acommodation Sector.  Ms McBride said Destination NSW will receive $324.5 million in funding and will prioritise the development of a 'Foundation Events' category, recognising and supporting the role that key events play.

May 2024
Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson Steps Down
27 May 2024:  After more than five years leading the nation's peak industry bodies for accommodation, Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson has announced his retirement.

Market Update:  Tourism Strong Despite Cost of Living Concerns
24 May 2024:  Holiday travel has come back strongly in the first quarter of 2024 despite current cost of living concerns, with holiday spend now exceeding 2019.  Tourism Experts recently delivered what could only be described as a positive outlook for the industry, including a significant boost to business travel, at yesterday's Accommodation Australia NSW market update and economicoutlook breakfast held at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Migration changes will impact Hospitality Services Nationwide
15 May 2024:  Accommodation Australia and the Australian Hotels Association have warned the decrease in permanent migration planning levels in the Federal Budget wil have a direct impact on hospitality services, escpecially in the regions.

April 2024
Developer Hired for One-Stop Digital Platflorm
15 April 2024:  Accommodation Australia's one-stop digital platform for hospitality, travel and tourism is one step closer to reality with the engagement of technology company, Tomahawk.

Accommodation Australia NSW Partners with NoVacancy for Second Year
04 April 2024:  Accommodation Australia NSW is proud to celebrate the second year of its Platinum partnership with Australia's premier hotel and accommodation event, NoVacancy.

March 2024
Accommodation Australia Calls For Fairness on any Short Stay Levy
18 March 2024:  Accommodation Australia (AA) is calling on the NSW Government to exclude hotels from any proposed short-term rental levy aimed at easing the on-going housing crisis.

February 2024
Accommodation Australia Appoints New Chair
21 February 2024:  The nation's peak accommodation body, Accommodation Australia has appointed respected industry figure David Mansfield as new Chair of its National Board.

January 2024
Accommodation Australia Finalist in 2024 ASURIA Awards
31 January 2024:  Accommodation Australia is honoured to have been named as a finalist in this year's Asuria Employer Awards, recognised in the category of Innovative Recruitment Solutions.

Accommodation Australia Honours Out-going Chair
18 January 2024:  Accommodation Australia has paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of its inaugural Chair, industry icon Leanne Harwood, who has announced her resignation from the position.

Concert Cap Hits Right Note for Accommodation Hotels
17 January 2024:  The NSW Government's decision to lift the cap on concerts for the SCG precinct and Alliance Stadium hits the perfect note for accommodation sector.

Hotels Welcome Recovery Package for Far North Queensland
08 January 2024:  The Nation's peak accommodation body, Accommodation Australia has welcomed a Federal and Queensland State government initiative designed to drive tourism back to Far North Queensland.

December 2023

Michael Johnson reflects on the first six months of Accommodation Australia
20 December 2023:  Nearly six months on from the formation of Accommodation Australia - an amalgamation of the Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia - CEO Michael Johnson speaks to HM's Ruth Hogan about what has been achieved this year and what's top of the agenda for 2024.

$10M Boost for Visitor Economy Digital Super Hub
14 December 2023:  Accommodation Australia's project to create a one-stop digital hub for hospitality, tourism and travel is full steam ahead following a $10m Federal Government Grant and the appointment of a new project manager.

Federal Migration Strategy a "Positive Step Forward"
11 December 2023:  The nation's peak hospitality associations have welcomes the Federal Government's new Migration Strategy as a "positive step forward", but look forward to further consultations on issues such as the chronic labour shortage in regional areas and changes to student visas.

October 2023

W Hotel Great Addition to Sydney Hotel Skyline
13 October 2023:  Accommodation Australia (AA) NSW Manager Stacey McBride said the newly opened W Hotel in Darling Harbour will be an important addition to Sydney's rapidly expanding hotel skyline.
 

Accommodation Australia pledges to create a diverse voice for the sector
05 October 2023:  The nation’s peak accommodation body - Accommodation Australia (AA) - has committed to increasing the diversity of voices in public and professional forums as part of a ‘Panel Pledge’, recently endorsed by its national board.

September 2023

Byron Bay Short-Term Rental Cap A Win For Common Sense
26 September 2023:  A 60-day cap on some short-term rental accommodation in the tourism mecca of Byron Bay has been welcomed as a “common sense win for workers and residents” by the nation’s peak accommodation body. 

Short Stay Levy Strikes The Right Balance
20 September 2023:  Accommodation Australia (AA) has welcomed the announcement that hotels, pubs offering accommodation and regulated accommodation providers will not be targeted by the Victorian Short Stay Levy. 

Small Wins For Accommodation In NSW Budget
20 September 2023:  Accommodation Australia NSW Manager Stacey McBride said there were small wins for the sector in yesterday’s NSW Budget, particularly the $41.3 million investment in large events.

Hotels Ride Post-Pandemic Building Boom
18 September 2023: Hotels nation-wide are riding a post pandemic building boom with 20,000 new rooms coming on-line and more than 200 hotels opening since the end of 2020.   Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said many people didn’t realise that while the hospitality sector was locked down during COVID, construction continued unabated. 

Accommodation Australia and Ecotourism Australia Join Forces for Sustainable Tourism
12 September 2023:  Accommodation Australia (AA) and Ecotourism Australia have joined forces for the first time to forge a clear pathway toward sustainable tourism for the entire accommodation sector.

August 2023
NO VACANCY Accommodation Australia NSW Partnership
23 August 2023:  Accommodation Australia NSW and NoVacancy Hotel & Accommodation Industry Expo announce two-year partnership.

Fleeced While You Sleep
21 August 2023:  Tourism Sector prepares to fight 'bed tax' (Herald Sun, Melbourne)

Hotels Named Some of Australia’s Best Places To Work
18 August 2023:  Two hotel groups have been named in the list of top ten best places to work in the nation.

Return of Chinese Group Tourism to Supercharge Recovery
11 August 2023:  Accommodation Australia (AA) has heralded the announcement that China has reinstated Australia with Approved Destination Status, proclaiming it as one of the most critical components of the tourism industry's recovery following the pandemic.

Accommodation Australia Marks Its First Board Meeting in Canberra
03 August 2023:  The first board meeting of the nation’s peak accommodation body – Accommodation Australia (AA) – has been held at Parliament House, Canberra.

July 2023
“Not Time To Pull Up The Welcome Matt” – Accommodation Sector Warns
24 July 2023:  The proposed new tourism tax for Victoria would impact the state’s attractiveness as a tourism destination and is an unfair way to deal withVictoria’s housing crisis – the nations’s peak accommodation body warned today

Top Advisor Joins New Industry Association
10 July 2023:  The nation’s peak accommodation body, Accommodation Australia, has appointed widely respected industry figure Jenny Lambert as its inaugural Policy and Research Advisor.

May 2023
Accommodation Australia Logo Unveiled
08 May 2023:  The logo for new peak hotels body Accommodation Australia has been unveiled at the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Adelaide.

March 2023
Date Set for Creation of New Accommodation Body
23 March 2023:  The Fair Work Commission has confirmed new peak accommodation hotels body, Accommodation Australia, will be officially created on 1^st of July, 2023.

February 2023
96% Yes Vote Secured – Michael Johnson to Head Up New United Industry Body
16 February 2023:  The Australian Electoral Commission today advised that the Accommodation Association of Australia’s members have voted overwhelmingly (96%) in favour of the amalgamation with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).

December 2022

Consultation core to rebuild of NSW Visitor Economy
20 December 2022: The Government at all levels must continue to work closely and collaboratively with Accommodation Providers to support the rebuilding of NSW’s Visitor Economy.

Vote on for Amalgamation
16 December 2022:  The Fair Work Commission has given the greenlight to the next stage in the proposed amalgamation of the Accommodation Association of Australia (AA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA)1, including approving an AA member vote

November 2022

Planning for a successful amalgamation
24 November 2022: The proposed Accommodation Australia Board is already rolling up its sleeves in preparation for a successful 2023 including the planned progression of the amalgamation of the Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia.

October 2022
Budget support for skills great news
25 October 2022: With domestic travel accelerating and international travellers returning, tonight’s Budget announcement of $48 million over 4 years from 2022-23 to support recruitment and marketing in the tourism and travel sectors, and for infrastructure upgrades for caravan parks is great news.

Team update as progress towards proposed amalgamation continues
5 September 2022:  The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) today announced Michael Johnson will be supporting the existing team as interim CEO in the lead-up to the proposed amalgamation with Tourism Accommodation Australia expected to be completed mid-2023.

September 2022
Amalgamation progress continues
30 September 2022:  Another key milestone has been reached in the proposed amalgamation, with the Accommodation Association of Australia Council and the Australian Hotels Association Board separately agreeing the Scheme of Amalgamation to create a new peak body, Accommodation Australia.

Two weeks left for NSW hotels to benefit from unredeemed vouchers
27 September 2022:  With just two weeks to redeem the remaining $137 million worth of Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers, the Accommodation Association and TAA NSW is calling on members to promote the scheme within their networks before the school holidays come to a close.

Richard Munro leaves proposed amalgamation in great shape as he departs Accommodation Association of Australia
7 September 2022: Richard Munro will depart the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) on 30 September as his contract as Interim CEO comes to an end, wrapping up his tenure that has seen him play a significant role in the proposed amalgamation with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).

August 2022
Accommodation Association Congratulates IHG on 60 years in Australia
08 August 2022: Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, congratulates the IHG Hotels & Resorts team on the historic 60 years anniversary of its brands in Australia.

Victoria’s Finest Accommodation Providers & Venue Staff Recognised
19 August 2022:  Victoria’s top accommodation providers and venue staff have been honoured at the 2022 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence.

July 2022
Major Jobs Boost for Hotels and the Visitor Economy
03 July 2022:  The Andrews Labour government is supporting Victoria's accommodation and hospitality industry to bounce back and create more jobs, as the state continues to welcome more domestic and international visitors.

June 2022
Accommodation Association Thanks Martin Pakula
27 Jun 2022:  Peak industry body the Accommodation Association has today thanked outgoing Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events the Hon Martin Pakula for his tireless efforts in backing hotels, motels and accommodation providers throughout the pandemic.

May 2022
Accommodation Association Unveiled
04 May 2022:  The peak industry body representing Australia’s economically important accommodation sector will be known as Accommodation Australia.

One of the world’s largest Accommodation Conferences in Adelaide a key milestone
02 May 2022:  The return of one of the world’s largest Accommodation Conferences, the Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) to Adelaide this week (May 3-5) represents a welcome milestone in the sector’s return to normal.

April 2022
Trivago decision highlights importance of booking direct or using Australian travel businesses
22 Apr 2022:  Peak industry body the Accommodation Association says today’s Federal Court decision in relation to Trivago highlights the value for Australian consumers in booking accommodation direct or through Australian travel businesses.

Tourism Investment Monitor 2020-21
05 April 2022:  Tourism Research Australia (TRA) compiles the Tourism Investment Monitor annually to provide information on aspects of the industry's performance.  The report is a point-in-time measure of investment (planned and committed) in Australia's tourism industry.  It reports on both the stock, and the progress, of projects at each stage of development.  Investment projects are classified as either proposed, in the planning stage, or under construction.  The 2020-21 tourism investment pipeline represents all known major tourism projects as at June 2021.  These projects have an estimated financial value of $20 million or more.

March 2022
Welcome support for tourism in budget but …
30 March 2022:  Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation providers welcome the Federal Government’s Budget investment of $146.5 million over the coming three years to drive the sector’s recovery however peak body the Accommodation Association says the major workforce challenges still need to be fixed.

Full Steam Ahead with Return of International Cruise Ships to QLD
20 March 2022:  The Queensland Government’s announcement that international cruise ships are welcome from June is fantastic news for Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation providers.

February 2022
Historic First Informal Meeting of AA and TAA as merger progresses
25 February 2022:  The Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia informally met for the first time to progress towards an amalgamation with an anticipated completion by the end of 2022.

Tourism Sector can’t be a political football
07 February 2022:  Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today highlighted the critical need for a consistent approach on the resumption of international travel, warning Tourism cannot be a political football.

Victorian Government Commercial Tenancy Relief Extension welcomed by Accommodation Association
02 February 2022:  Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today welcomed the Victorian Government Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS) extension and new regulations and is encouraging all States and Territories to provide similar support.

Working Holiday Makers needed to help fill workforce shortage
01 February 2022:  Peak industry body the Accommodation Association says the Federal Government’s $7m marketing campaign to attract young people from overseas to work and holiday in Australia will help plug the massive workforce and skills shortage in the sector.

January 2022
“We congratulate NSW Government on listening!"
31 January 2022:  Peak industry body the Accommodation Association today thanked the NSW Government for continuing to listen to the sector and echoed the call for parallel Federal Government support for Australia’s hard hit accommodation sector.

Visa rebates a welcome step but…
19 January 2022:  Peak industry body the Accommodation Association welcomes the Federal Government’s initiative in rebating visa application fees for international backpackers and students but warns much more support is needed to address sector-wide labour force losses of 35% in Australia’s Accommodation sector.

December 2021

15 December 2021 - Accommodation Association delighted to welcome back WHM visa holders and international students

Peak industry body the Accommodation Association is delighted to welcome Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa holders and international students and is urging them to take advantage of the many jobs available in Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation sector.

13 December 2021 - Accommodation Association welcomes gradual return to open border travel within Australia

Peak industry body the Accommodation Association welcomed the gradual re-opening of Australia including West Australia’s 5 February re-opening but warned the skills shortage would continue to impact most accommodation providers regardless of location.

10 December 2021 - TRA data highlights heavy burden on Australian accommodation providers

Data released today by Tourism Research Australia reveals Australian CBD hotels saw a 74% fall in overnight trips and 76% drop in spend in September 2021 compared to pre-COVID levels.

November 2021

23 November 2021 - Border change announcement helps but greater support is needed

Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, applauds the Federal Government’s announcement of additional changes to international border arrangements from 1 December but warned significant action is needed now to address the extensive skills and staffing crisis plaguing the sector.

11 November 2021 - Accommodation Association launches major initiatives to combat skills shortage

With job vacancies in the hospitality sector set to top 100,000, peak industry body, the Accommodation Association’s ongoing practical partnership with Government will greatly assist in combating the skills shortage in this core economic sector for the nation.

October 2021

22 October 2021 - NSW Initiatives welcome but recovery will take time

The NSW Government’s ongoing support of the Tourism and Events sector, including this week’s announcement of a $530 Million recovery package, will play a major role in the Accommodation sector getting back on its feet but return to full health will take time. 

15 October 2021 - Accommodation Association applauds NSW Government's practical support measures

The NSW Government deserves applause for its ongoing practical support measures, including this week’s announcement of a $66 Million Alfresco Restart Package and extension of the Dine and Discover voucher scheme.
 
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, said tangible measures which encourage people to get out and enjoy themselves and which recognise that the sector needs to operate differently to offset the ongoing COVID-constrained capacity are very welcome. 

15 October 2021 - Re-opening of NSW to the world
The NSW Government’s decision to end quarantine requirements for new and returning fully vaccinated travellers is very welcome news that allows hotels that have stepped up to protect the community to once again return to their primary function – providing great hospitality to travellers.

12 October 2021 - ACT Government Outdoor Activation Taskforce very welcome news

Peak industry body the Accommodation Association welcomes the announcement of the ACT Government Outdoor Activation Taskforce to support businesses in better accessing nearby public outdoor spaces once lockdown ends.

September 2021

09 September 2021 - NSW Roadmap to Freedom very welcome news
Peak industry body the Accommodation Association today thanked the NSW Government for unveiling its Roadmap to Freedom for the fully vaccinated, especially given the important lead-in timeframe which will allow hotels and motels to properly prepare.

August 2021

06 August 2021 - Accommodation Association welcomes Victorian Government rent relief scheme
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today welcomed the Victorian Government Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (CTRS), and encouraged all States and Territories to provide similar support.

July 2021

28 July 2021 - Re-opening of Victoria welcome but support for Melbourne is key
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, has welcomed the easing of restrictions in Victoria however warned that additional, ongoing support for Melbourne hotels is urgently required.

15 July 2021 - Accommodation Association Pathway Partnership receives $1.1 million in funding over 12 months
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today thanked the Federal Government for funding the Accommodation Association Pathway Partnership, providing $1.1 million over a year.

2 July 2021 - Federal Government Support Welcome
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today applauded National Cabinet’s four phase pathway out of the pandemic.

June 2021

22 June 2021 - Visa News for Chefs a bright light
Today’s news of the addition of chefs to the Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List is a welcomed bright light in an otherwise bleak time for the accommodation sector.  

04 June 2021 - Important role of hotels in supporting quarantine program
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association today said the important frontline role of hotels and hotel teams which voluntarily support returning Australians through the Hotel Quarantine Program deserves greater recognition.

04 June 2021 - Federal Government Support Welcome
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, today welcomed the Federal Government’s temporary COVID disaster payment and added a call to loosen the eligibility criteria so that all workers severely impacted by lockdowns are supported.

03 June 2021 - TradeSquare Partners with the Accommodation Association
TradeSquare has partnered with the Accommodation Association to support the local accommodation sector in sourcing products. The partnership between the Accommodation Association and TradeSquare will make it easier for those in the accommodation industry to source supplies and products for their business.

May 2021

28 May 2021 - Accommodation Association welcomes Minor Hotels
The Accommodation Association is pleased to welcome Minor Hotels as a member. The addition further strengthens the Accommodation Association’s sector coverage given Minor Hotels national footprint of over 60 hotels.

10 May 2021 - Accommodation Association welcomes Government support for Student Visas
The Accommodation Association today welcomes the timely announcement from the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alex Hawke, that the Morrison Government will remove existing work hour caps for Student Visa holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sector.

05 May 2021 - Evolution to a unified, merged body progresses
Progress continues to be made towards a unified, single voice for Accommodation in Australia through the proposed merger of the Australian Hotel Association/Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association.

02 May 2021 - COVID-19 costs Vic hotels $1.7bn in room revenue alone
COVID-19 cost the Victorian Tourism Accommodation Sector $1.7 Billion in room revenue alone for the year ending February 2021 with recovery to take at least four years according to modelling conducted by AHS Advisory.

April 2021

09 April 2021 - Victorian Government’s business events incentive a step towards state tourism recovery
The Victorian Government has announced support packages of up to $25,000 for business events incentives in Melbourne, providing a desperately needed bookings boost for struggling CBD hotels and accommodation providers.

06 April 2021 - Trans-Tasman bubble benefit still a way off for Tourism
Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association says while the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble is a very welcome step in the right direction, the reality is that there will  be very little real benefit for Australia’s Tourism sector in the short term.

March 2021

29 March 2021 - Hotel leaders join in call for redirected Federal Support
Peak industry bodies, the Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia and the leaders of Australia’s hotel networks have united in a plea to the Morrison Government to redirect $270 million in COVID support to save jobs in the devastated Sydney and Melbourne markets.

11 March 2021 - Tourism Support Package leaves Sydney, Melbourne for dead
While the Federal Government’s tourism and aviation recovery program will support many tourism regions which were hard hit by bushfires and then the subsequent shut downs, unfortunately the package does not support our two major international gateways of Sydney and Melbourne

09 March 2021 - Cairns Holidays Dollars initiative needs to be extended to Accommodation
Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association welcomes the Queensland Government – Tourism Tropical North Queensland Cairns Holiday Dollars initiative but warns it must be extended to the accommodation sector.

February 2021

21 February 2021 - Victorian Government support measures very welcome
Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association says the Victorian Government support measures announced today will provide much needed relief for hotels, motels and accommodation providers hit hard by the state’s COVID restrictions, snap shutdowns and border closures.

January 2021

18 January 2021 - Accommodation Association welcomes NSW Government’s 2030 NSW Visitor Economy Industry Strategy
Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association welcomes the publication of NSW Government’s 2030 NSW Visitor Economy Industry Strategy which recognises the importance of mobilising government funding and support for the visitor economy.

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

30 October 2020 - Accommodation Association calls on Queensland state election victor to reopen borders

30 October 2020 – Peak industry body, The Accommodation Association, today stated it is vital that whoever wins tomorrow’s election opens the QLD borders as quickly as possible.

27 October 2020 - Code of Conduct, strengthened regulation and registration system for short-term rental very welcome

With the NSW accommodation sector having faced eight consecutive months of revenue declines of 70-80%, the NSW Government decision to level out the playing field with the introduction of tougher regulation of short-term rental accommodation is most welcome.

27 October 2020 - Melbourne and Victoria's hotels and accommodation providers are ready to welcome guests

With many Victorian hotels struggling with just 11 weeks of trading this year due to COVID and bushfires, peak industry body the Accommodation Association is calling for two urgent measures: 1) For Victorians to embrace freedom with a celebratory short break 2) For Government to increase the 10 person inside-room cap

26 October 2020 - Accommodation Association disappointed with delays in Victoria reopening

Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association is disappointed that the Victorian Government has deviated from its outlined Roadmap and, given today’s numbers, must not delay the state’s reopening any longer

21 October 2020 - Accommodation Association calls for adoption of Victorian tourism industry's platform to reopen

Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association is calling for the adoption of measures outlined by leading representatives of Victoria’s tourism Industry in a proposal to reopen the state’s visitor economy using safe and staged processes that have worked in other states.

07 October 2020 - Budget Reaction - Confidence, Cashflow injections, Carry Forwards, good news

Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association said the Federal Budget is a good budget, providing critical cash flow injections including via the Loss Carry Forward provisions and delivering a welcome $30 million to the Building Better Regions Fund to take it to $100 million.

02 October 2020 - QLD decision to reopen borders to NSW "most welcome"

Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association today welcomed QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to open borders to all of NSW from 1 November.
 

September 2020 

13 September 2020 - Victorian Government support a step in the right direction

Peak Industry body, the Accommodation Association welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of a $3 billion support package of cash grants, tax relief and cashflow support as a much needed step in the right direction. 

08 September 2020 - Talks underway for one voice for Accommodation sector 

Negotiations are underway to create one united voice for the accommodation industry nationwide.

06 September 2020 - Victorian roadmap is a highway to hell for Australia's accommodations sector

The Accommodation Association today warned the Victorian roadmap is a road to business closures and economic ruin. The Association said it was looking forward to working more collaboratively with the Victorian Government in order to strike a better balance.
 

August 2020

28 August 2020 - Dear Government, can we have some consultation please

Today’s announcement by the Queensland Government that it is cancelling Schoolies, which is in almost three months time, is yet another example of a missed opportunity to get the balance right between protecting lives and protecting jobs.

7 August 2020 - Thank You Prime Minister for acknowledging the work of Australia’s hotel workers

The Accommodation Association, the industry’s peak body, said the comments from the Prime Minister and Ms Halton were welcome recognition of the hotel staff who have helped carry the frontline burden of COVID-19. 

6 August 2020 - March slump in job losses just the heartbreaking start for Accommodation Sector 

Confirmation that Australia’s accommodation sector is the hardest hit is just the start of a very rocky patch for those working our hotels, motels and serviced apartments and highlights the critical need for tailored Government support. 

5 August 2020 - Accommodation Association disappointed with QLD Border closure to NSW and ACT

It is absolutely critical that we get the balance right between protecting lives and protecting jobs. The flow-on ramifications of slamming shut borders are huge. This decision not only costs Queensland lost revenue from tourism but the reverse applies back into New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 

July 2020

21 July 2020 - Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation providers today applauded the extension of JobKeeper but say additional support is critical to keep the tourism sector alive

The extension of JobKeeper through to March 2021 is what our sector has been asking for and is very welcome news. The policy settings around the realignment of JobKeeper with JobSeeker are right in terms of incentivising people to work while providing the economic lifeline to keep businesses afloat as we learn to live with COVID.

20 July 2020 - Australia's hotels, motels and accommodation providers plead for government support

Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation providers have stepped up their plea for government to extend JobKeeper, the Rental Mandatory Code of Conduct and banking relief measures until March 2021 with a series of full page ads.

6 July 2020 - VIC-NSW Border closure highlights seriousness of challenge

Today’s decision to close the NSW-Victoria border highlights the seriousness of the challenge in containing COVID-19. The Accommodation Association, the industry’s peak body, said the joint decision between Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison to shut the border from midnight tomorrow was disappointing but understandable

2 July 2020 - Department not hotels responsible for quarantine approach

The Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions is responsible for the management of hotels being used for quarantine purposes not the individual hotel operator. Where hotels are being used for the quarantining of international travellers, management has been turned over to the Department. The Department runs every aspect of these hotels.

June 2020

15 June 2020 - Local Government calls for bed tax a death knell for tourism

With the tourism accommodation sector already on its knees, Local Government calls in Queensland for a bed tax is a direct attack on more than 50,000 people reliant on the accommodation sector to survive

JobKeeper must be extended to at least March 2021 in order to keep jobs and businesses alive in Australia’s accommodation sector, a critical part of the Australian tourism industry

May 2020

22 May 2020 - Increasing Restaurant and Café capacity marks next stage of Recovery in NSW

The accommodation industry welcomes the announcement by the NSW Government today that restaurants and cafes can open their doors to fifty people from 1 June 2020.

April 2020

24 April 2020 - JobKeeper should not be a cash grab for the states

The tourism accommodation sector is calling on all state and territory governments to remove additional taxes and charges on JobKeeper payments, to ensure that businesses can retain their connection with close to 100,000 employees in the sector.

15 April 2020 - NSW Government further steps towards Short Term Rental regulatory reform welcomed

The Accommodation Association welcomes the NSW Government announcement that from 10 April, strata schemes will be able to adopt by-laws that prohibit short-term rentals, where the lot is not the host’s principal place of residence.

8 April 2020 - Tourism accommodation industry steps up to assist Health Workers

The Accommodation Association welcomes the initiatives by the NSW, Victoria, South Australian and Queensland governments to offer free accommodation for health workers who have tested positive or need to self-isolate for 14 days.

March 2020

30 March 2020 - Wage subsidy provides protection for jobs in the tourism accommodation sector

The Accommodation Association has strong endorsed the $1500 per fortnight wage subsidy announced today. “This wage subsidy provides essential support for employers as they seek to retain jobs and ensure their businesses are operational once Australia emerges from this pandemic”, said, Dean Long, CEO. “In particular, we welcome the application to all employees and business, irrespective of turnover. The key criteria is loss of turnover.”

23 March 2020 - Stimulus Package Fails to recognise tourism demands has stopped

The Australian Government stimulus announced yesterday together with the cancellation of non-essential travel and enforced government structural changes, has effectively eliminated over 90% of tourism accommodation demand. "The harsh reality is that consecutive announcements - closure of borders, grounding of flights and cruise ships, self-isolation and now cancellation of non-essential travel together with closure of restaurants and bars- while necessary for health reasons, have killed all demand," said Dean Long, CEO Accommodation Association. "Hotels Australia-wide are reporting occupancies of below 10% and are now looking to close their doors" said Dean Long, CEO, Accommodation Association.

20 March 2020 - 300,000 Tourism Jobs to Go - Industry calls on Government to act

The devastated Australian tourism industry is now facing massive job losses and a very bleak future without significant government support to retain as many workers as possible.

February  2020

17 February 2020 - Cairns Bed Tax Proposal Flawed Logic

The Tourism and Accommodation Industry does not support the proposal to implement a bed tax in Cairns

13 February 2020 - WA Government Short Term Rental response acknowledges need for urgent reform

Following submissions and discussions with the WA Parliament and Government, we now have a direction for solving this issue

8 February 2020 - $10 Million NSW Campaign package recognises NSW Open for Business

The launch today of the ‘Event here this year’ campaign recognises the importance of a competitive and sustainable business events industry for Australia.

January 2020 

December 2019 

November 2019 

October 2019 

28 October 2019 - Economic report highlights Accommodation Sector major beneficiary of Cruising 

The Economic Impact Assessment report released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) reinforces the economic importance of the cruise industry in Australia.

10 October 2019 - Domestic market sustaining Accommodation Performance 

The Accommodation Association welcomes the continued strong growth in domestic visitation and visitor nights in Australia with 12% growth in capital city visitor nights and 5.6% growth in regional visitor nights.

September 2019 

30 September 2019 - First stage in reinvigorating Sydney’s Night-Time Economy 

The Accommodation Association (AAoA) welcomes the comprehensive recommendations of the Joint Select Committee on Sydney's Night Time Economy, that recognises the need for a wholistic range of measures if Sydney is to develop a safe and vibrant night-time economy. 

26 September 2019 - WA Parliamentary report on Short Stay Accommodation a good first step 

The Accommodation Association (AAoA) welcomes the release of the WA Economics and Industry Standing Committee final report into short term rental accommodation. The report clearly recognises and highlights the regulatory imbalance the currently exists between short term accommodation and short term rental accommodation. 

17 September 2019 - Schwartz signs all of group’s hotels to the Accommodation Association 

The Schwartz Family Company has signed its extensive portfolio of hotels to the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA), in recognition of the need for a united voice for the Accommodation industry. 

17 September 2019 - Accommodation Association supports Third Cruise Terminal for Sydney 

The NSW Government announcement today that the market engagement process has commenced on a third cruise terminal for Sydney is strongly welcomed by the NSW accommodation industry

13 September 2019 - AAoA welcomes Phillipa Harrison’s appointment as Tourism Australia Managing Director 

The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) has welcomed the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as the new Managing Director of Tourism Australia.

06 September 2019 - Tourism a major contributor to Australian Economic growth

The Tourism Forecasts 2019 Report released by the Federal Government today points to the significant contribution made by tourism to the Australian economy and the importance of accommodation  investment in underpinning that growth.

August 2019

14 August 2019 - AAoA welcomes continued consultation on NSW short-term letting

The Accommodation Association of Australia welcomes the release of the NSW Government’s draft regulations to tackle the issues of unregulated short-term accommodation in the State

09 August 2019 -  Sydney visitors deserve a vibrant night-time economy

The Accommodation Association addressed the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Night-Time Economy today and reinforced our support for a revitalised, vibrant night-time economy, that ensures the safety, security and amenity for visitors to Sydney

June 2019 

03 June 2019 - The year of growth for the Accommodation Association of Australia 

Heidi Kunkel, Vice President of Operations, Australasia at Hilton has elected to join the National Board of the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA).

May 2019

30 May 2019 - Further Expansion of Leadership for the AAoA

Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) has appointed industry leader Ms Carol Giuseppi to the newly formed role of General Manager of National Operations/NSW.

22 May 2019 - New Leadership for the AAoA

AAoA President Julian Clark, today announced the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dean Long to replace the outgoing CEO Mr Richard Munro

April 2019 

10 April 2019 - Accommodation Association Strengthens its Leadership

The Accommodation Association of Australia has announced a bolstering of its leadership ranks with the addition of Ms Leanne Harwood, Managing Director, Australasia & Japan InterContinental Hotels Group.

08 April 2019 - AAoA officially launches the National Advisory Board for Employment 

The NABE was officially launched at a prestigious event on the 4th of April at the renowned Sofitel On Collins, Melbourne. The launch was hosted by the AAoA CEO Richard Munro and AAoA President Julian Clark, with speakers including Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Louise Staley MP and David Mansfield 

05 April 2019 -  ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA 

Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) Chief Executive Officer, Richard Munro has tendered his resignation to pursue new opportunities , after eight years at the AAoA.

03 April 2019 - Tax cuts will deliver wage growth and create consumer demand for domestic tourism

Following on from yesterdays release of the 2019 Federal Budget, we welcome the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP budget statements on delivering both tax cuts and lifting the tax thresholds, ensuring more Australians have additional discretionary funds to spend.

March 2019

12 March 2019 - Labor to Ban Price Parity Clauses Between Online Travel Agencies and Accommodation Providers

Today's announcement by the Australian Labor Party is a breakthrough for our industry and consumers and is welcome news to the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) who have been lobbying for this outcome for years.