The year that was: AccomNews’ Top Ten most talked-about stories
2024 in review: AccomNews stories that shaped accommodation & tourism
As 2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the stories that defined our year and shaped the accommodation and tourism sector.
From calls for urgent strata insurance reforms to the evolving role of AI, the triumphs of industry innovators, and bed bug infestations, these stories captured our attention and sparked important conversations.
What were the moments that mattered most?
Before we dive into 2025, join us as we revisit the top 10 most-read stories on AccomNews—the headlines that resonated, the moments that mattered, and the insights that shaped the year.
1. Australia’s strata industry under fire
The dirty secrets of a section of Australia’s strata management industry were laid bare in a bombshell Four Corners investigation.
2. Applications open for Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest tourism trade show
Spots for TRENZ 2025 in Rotorua were in hot demand! RENZ will bring together Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading tourism operators with global and New Zealand travel buyers to do business and build strong connections.
3. James Goodwin now making news at Accommodation Australia
In an exclusive interview, AccomNews spoke to the new CEO of Accommodation Australia.
4. Crisis: Queensland property experts warn of strata insurance meltdown
Key stakeholders argued that urgent reforms are needed to strata insurance laws in Queensland.
5. Lessons from the Brisbane hotel bed bug debacle
A couple enjoying a romantic getaway at a Brisbane hotel ended up spending the night sleeping in the lobby after finding bed bugs. The story quickly became global news and served as a warning to all hoteliers.
6. The team redefining management rights on the Gold Coast
In 2024, StayCo cemented itself as a leading player in the management rights industry on the Gold Coast.
Behind the scenes at StayCo: The team redefining management rights on the Gold Coast
7. Booking.com under attack: The unseen threat to Australia’s accommodation sector
Reports of scams linked to Booking.com skyrocketed in 2023, resulting in Australians losing more than $337,000.
8. Inside the evolution of Lake Mac Holiday Parks
Coordinator Garry Ellem spoke to AccomNews about how inclusion and accessibility are key to Lake Mac Holiday Parks‘ enduring success.
9. Introducing Ozone Hospitality Services CEO Dulanka Jayaweera: A rising star
Our exclusive interview with Dulanka Jayaweera is a remarkable story of his journey from humble beginnings to taking the hospitality industry by storm.
10. The $100M Caravan Park surge: Why investors can’t get enough
In 2024, caravan parks emerged as big business. Leading brokers talk to Grantlee Kieza OAM and reveal their biggest problem is finding enough stock to meet the huge demand!
Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.