An industry survey conducted by HMAA has found the GFC does not appear to be as hard hitting as initially predicted, although it has rated as the major concern among 58 per cent of accommodation providers. 

The survey, which was conducted prior to the Christmas holiday period amongst HMAA members, found that 39 per cent of operators have experienced slightly higher occupancies in the last year.

While staff levels amongst member properties also appear to be relatively stable, there has been some clear nervousness with the introduction of the new Hospitality Industry General Award as 19 per cent of properties revealed that they had more casual staff than in the same period the year prior.

Rising fuel prices along with AAA Tourism’s STAR Rating Scheme and the issue of staff retention and recruitment also rated as key concerns in the survey results.  

Over half of the survey respondents (56 per cent) indicated that they felt that the Federal Government did not support the accommodation industry, while 57 per cent of respondents felt that state and territory governments failed to do likewise.

HMAA represents a range of accommodation establishments from 3 to 5 star hotels, resorts, motels, motor inns, serviced holiday apartments, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, backpackers and time share establishments in cities, metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

For further information on how your accommodation business can become part of HMMA in Victoria, please visit www.vecci.org.au