Upon the release of a NSW Government paper on tourism accommodation regulation, the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAA) stated that there must be a level playing field for all providers of tourism accommodation. Accomnews spoke exclusively with the AAA’s CEO Richard Munro about compliance, risks and regulations.

As Accomnews reported in February of this year, Star Ratings Australia ceased to operate as of June 30 2017, later announcing that they would be leaving the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) with the responsibility of accreditation for the accommodation sector. Almost a month after the changes came into effect, Accomnews has investigated the importance of the scheme, and looked at where consumers are turning for ratings and reviews.

Highly regarded hotel executive Georgina Williams has recently joined Best Western Australasia as brand development manager, with responsibility for growing the group’s profile and presence in Australia and New Zealand. Accomnews spoke exclusively with Ms Williams about what it looks like to grow a membership base, and what this means for hotels.

What draws guests to your hotel? With Australians becoming increasingly interested in eating out and travelling for gastronomic experiences, it’s important for hotels to consider both their own food and beverage options, as well as the sought-after options surrounding the premises and enticing potential guests.

International travel is at an all-time high, particularly with the Chinese market increasing in Australia and New Zealand year on year. In light of this increase, Accomnews spoke exclusively with Oaks Hotels & Resorts’ general manager, Daniel Csortan, about the importance of understanding a hotel’s market and tailoring services and amenities.

With the Australian Government’s 2020 Tourism Industry Potential calling for overnight visitor expenditure to reach between $115 billion and $140 billion, Accomnews checked in with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) National CEO, Carol Giuseppi, about the state of regional tourism in 2017.

Expedia group, an online travel company, is officially launching Rev+ in Australia. Accomnews spoke exclusively with Drew Bowering, director of market management for Expedia Oceania, about the revenue management tool and its impact on hotels.

According to the Holiday Inn Resort, family holidays are the perfect opportunity for kids to “explore new destinations, make friends, and rediscover what it means to have fun”. Accomnews looked at some of the ways hotels are making themselves accessible to families, as well as how they can accommodate for all guests and generations under the one roof.

With Mantra Group uniting its 128 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Bali and Hawaii, Accomnews spoke exclusively with the group’s public relations manager to find out what it means to consolidate a multi-branded portfolio into a single consumer brand, and how this impacts hotel owners and managers.

Hotels are often sympathetic to their surrounds, offering amenities and experiences that are appropriate to their location – but how important is a hotel’s connection to place and history, particularly given Australia’s rich and complex past?