Accommodation Australia unveiled
New title a reflection of the sector’s national footprint and economic significance
With the amalgamation of the Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia due for completion later this year, the peak body representing Australia’s economically important accommodation sector will be known as Accommodation Australia.
Current Accommodation Association President Leanne Harwood will take the role of President of the amalgamated organisation’s Executive Committee with Sean Hunt and Bruce Copland in place as Vice-President and Treasurer, respectively.
Martin Ferguson AM will continue to play a critical role as Special Counsel on the amalgamation which is on schedule for completion in late 2022 subject to the member vote.
The merger process of the Accommodation Association and the Australian Hotel Association’s Tourism Accommodation Australia is heavily regulated with mandated steps and timelines. The Transition Committee has continued to make steady and collaborative progress.
Both Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association continue to work closely together to maximise benefits for members.
This includes joint Market Update events, allowing AA members equal access to the recent AHA/TAA negotiated temporary Labour Agreement, the sharing of existing resources such as the Accommodation Association’s employment program resources on the Hub and the opportunity for all members to participate in the TAA and AHA state-based awards in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Ms Harwood said the name ‘Accommodation Australia’ is a powerful and appropriate reflection of our sector’s national footprint and economic significance.
“This year is a hallmark year as we unite to ensure our impact and influence is maximised and work together to overcome the challenges including those created during the last two years,” she said.
“I am also honoured to have been named as the Inaugural President of Accommodation Australia and I look forward to continuing to work with Sean Hunt, Bruce Copland, our Transition Committee and Martin Ferguson AM as we lock down the remaining steps.”
Martin Ferguson AM said while the amalgamation won’t be completed before the end of the year, we continue to work to deliver for members.
“Where appropriate, we pool resources and hold joint events however I want our members to know that we continue to be full-steam ahead on the advocacy and initiatives that you need now,” he said.
Mr Hunt said there was a need for all members’ involvement in order to achieve the best outcomes.
“As we rebuild our sector and our workforce and as we shape our future, we need all members actively involved in our ongoing priorities of boosting demand drivers, ensuring a conducive regulatory landscape and attracting and retaining people.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
