Accommodation Australia charts 2026 priorities at Gold Coast board meeting

Accommodation Australia has brought together its national board on the Gold Coast to set its policy and advocacy priorities for the year ahead, with the industry preparing for another busy Christmas period and a significant year of regulatory change in 2026.

The meeting, held at RACV Royal Pines, focused on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s hotels, motels and serviced apartment operators.

Accommodation Australia Chief Executive James Goodwin said it was vital for the board to meet before the peak summer season to set a clear direction for members.

“ There was no shortage of issues, ” Mr Goodwin said.

The agenda included the updated Short Term Rental Accommodation policy, ongoing workforce pressures and the growing urgency of the national chef shortage.

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 Energy compliance a major concern

One of the key items was the Albanese Government’s proposal to make the NABERS energy rating system compulsory for hotels with more than 100 rooms. Mr Goodwin said members want clarity on how such a policy would work in practice and what compliance obligations it may introduce.

“ We spent time examining what compulsory NABERS ratings would mean for our sector and how to ensure any transition is fair and workable for operators, ” he said.

Gold Coast outlook provides real time context

Meeting in one of Australia’s most recognised tourism regions also gave board members valuable insights into local operating conditions.

“ Meeting in Queensland at RACV Royal Pines gave us the chance to hear first hand the issues affecting accommodation operators in a tourism mecca like the Gold Coast, ” Mr Goodwin said.

Signs of renewed tourism growth

Despite ongoing workforce challenges, the board noted positive signs across the national tourism landscape. These include strengthening international aviation access and targeted Tourism Australia destination marketing that is beginning to drive inbound demand across key regions.

Collaborative approach to policy

The board was joined by newly appointed National AHA President David Basheer, who led a discussion on industry wide engagement on complex policy issues.

“ David Basheer contributed valuable insights into how we collaborate on matters such as migration settings and the political landscape next year, ” Mr Goodwin said.

Accommodation Australia will now refine its advocacy plan for 2026, with workforce development, regulatory clarity and national tourism growth expected to remain at the centre of its agenda.