James Goodwin: End of a strong first half

It feels like we have been through a year’s worth of change already, but we are only now entering the second half of 2026.

I don’t think we should let the milestone pass without reflecting on the resilience and strength of Australia’s accommodation sector.

Despite ongoing economic pressures, global instability, workforce challenges and changing market conditions, our industry continues to adapt, innovate and deliver great experiences for guests.

The hotel sector has once again demonstrated its ability to navigate uncertainty while continuing to invest in people, properties and communities.

Regional and remote areas continue to be the hardest hit but hopefully, now that the country is said to have plenty of fuel and at lower prices, the mid-year school holidays will have been a much-needed lift in those areas sensitive to the ‘drive’ market.

Political engagement, across all parties, remains a key focus so our issues are front and centre at a time of competing interests and fragmented community debates.

More AccomNews: James Goodwin: One year on and just getting started

I’ve recently had a few meetings with Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite.

Despite the noise about migration the clear and strong views of the minister responsible are valuable and show he understands the importance of migration to the hotel industry and the economy.

He has also recognised the challenges you’ve all had with visa processing timeframes and expressed some frustrations with tactics used by migration agents, which he says, can further slowdown the process.

“We are improving skilled visa processing times, and we are tackling the backlogs that have eroded confidence in the migration system,” Minister Thistlethwaite said recently.

“Australia needs a migration system that delivers the skills our economy relies on. A system based on integrity, skills, and national interest, not on rorts or neglect. In contrast, some of the proposals put forward recently have been shaped more by political tactics than by economic reality. They are designed to appeal to the loudest voices on the fringes, not to address the genuine workforce shortages facing employers across the country.”

A sentiment many in our industry are glad to hear.

The Albanese Government has also announced changes or carve outs to the capital gains tax reforms announced in the Federal Budget.

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An increase in things like the financial definition of a ‘small business’ to $10 million is an improvement, but we, along with other business groups, continue to say the changes don’t go far enough or broad enough across different sectors.

There are also some proposed changes on trusts and, although welcome, it is concerning that such widespread changes have been made without taking them to an election or a comprehensive consultation with business.

But it’s not just Canberra seeking to cut costs. Governments across the country are struggling to balance the books.

The New South Wales Budget was another tough one with a cut to Destination NSW funding.

This was short-sighted but not as bad as it could have been.

We realise that cuts need to be made somewhere, but tourism is not a nice to have, it is essential.

Local and state economies rely on the tourism economy, and in the current climate we need to be investing more into bringing visitors here, not cutting back.

But despite these challenges, there is a lot to look forward to in the second half of the year.

In Queensland it is encouraging to see planning and funding for the 2032 Olympic sites confirmed. This will give hotels more certainty about investment and future planning.

The RBA has kept interest rates on hold, which is hopefully a sign inflation is getting under control.

And the first flights from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) will officially take off on October 25. The new airport, which will serve up to 10 million passengers annually, will provide a much-needed boost to hotels right across NSW.

Western Sydney is now Australia’s third-largest economy and home to half of the city’s population. After so many years in the planning it is exciting to see the dates in concrete, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Jetstar will operate the airport’s first commercial passenger flight, from WSI to the Gold Coast on Sunday October 25. They will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne, four weekly flights to the Gold Coast, and three weekly flights to Brisbane.

Qantas will commence services from March 28, 2027, operating four flights per week to Brisbane and four flights per week to Melbourne. Freight operations start on July 26.

This is a win on many levels.

More aviation access and capacity mean more international tourists, more jobs in the accommodation sector, and cheaper airfares for all.

It’s not only good news for Sydney, but also for the rest of the country with most international tourists often travelling to multiple states while on holiday down under.