After receiving overwhelming support from members of the Accommodation Association of Australia, the creation of a new peak accommodation hotels body, Accommodation Australia, has been officially confirmed by the Fair Work Commission. The amalgamation of Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association will be complete on July 1st, 2023.
The creation of Accommodation Australia aims to provide a unified and stronger voice for the accommodation sector. The new body will represent more than 80% of the Australian accommodation industry, including major hotel chains, boutique hotels, motels, and serviced apartments.
Leanne Harwood has been appointed the first President of Accommodation Australia, while Michael Johnson will serve as the inaugural CEO. The two leaders bring a wealth of experience to the table, having served in various leadership positions in the accommodation industry for several years.
The formation of Accommodation Australia is expected to streamline the industry and provide a more cohesive approach to advocacy, policy development, and industry growth. This is particularly important given the current climate of the accommodation industry, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Johnson recently addressed over 200 guests at Ted’s Technology Conference held at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. He provided an update on the progress of the amalgamation and highlighted the importance of the formation of Accommodation Australia. He stated, “Our industry in many locations is now tracking north of pre-pandemic levels with optimistic forecasts on the horizon.”
The amalgamation of Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association has been in the works for some time, with both organizations agreeing that joining forces was the best way forward for the industry. The recent overwhelming support from AA members was the final major hurdle in the process.
The creation of Accommodation Australia is a positive development for the accommodation industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic. With a unified approach, the industry is better equipped to address the challenges that lie ahead and to drive growth and success in the future.
