Accommodation Industry Snapshot

An industry survey conducted by the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (HMAA) has found the GFC does not appear to be as hard hitting as initially predicted, although it has rated as the major concern amongst 58% of accommodation providers. Survey results also indicate that the accommodation sector has proved somewhat resilient in the face of recession.

The survey, which was conducted prior to the Christmas holiday period amongst HMAA members, found that 39% of operators have experienced slightly higher occupancies in the last year. HMAA Chief Executive, Lorraine Duffy, commented “Whilst occupancies in some regions and sectors are of a major concern, of a greater concern is the return on capital investment and room rates as we have seen operators forfeiting profits for occupancy.”

Whilst staff levels amongst member properties also appear to be relatively stable, there has been some clear nervousness with the introduction of the new Hospitality Industry General Award as 19% of properties revealed that they had more casual staff than in the same period the year prior.

Rising fuel prices along with AAA Tourism’s STAR Rating Scheme and the issue of staff retention and recruitment also rated as key concerns respectively. Over half of the survey respondents (56%) indicated that they felt federal government did not support the accommodation industry. 57% felt that state and territory governments failed to do likewise.

“HMAA is constantly lobbying in each of these areas in order to pursue the interests of accommodation providers. We have strong representation with the industry groups such as TTF and NTA as well as maintaining a constant communication with each level of government,” Ms Duffy concluded.

HMAA represents a range of accommodation establishments from 3 to 5 star hotels, resorts, motels, motor inns, serviced holiday apartments, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, backpackers and time share establishments in cities, metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

Date: Thursday 11^th February 2010