Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO, Michael Johnson.

Leading hotelier Michael Johnson has formally taken up the reins at Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) this week.

The former general manager of the PARKROYAL Parramatta – and previously a TAA NSW board member – was appointed CEO of TAA National and TAA NSW in March.

He officially started in the new role today, saying 2019 marked a “new era” for TAA, with a new CEO and new multi-million dollar top floor offices in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Johnson said a top priority was securing cheaper energy prices for TAA members: “Exciting times are ahead for TAA and our members.

“The organisation is currently negotiating a major new aggregated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which will revolutionise the way member hotels pay their rising energy costs,” he said.

“This is a landmark deal which will help make a real difference to members – breaking the back of electricity prices. Other priorities include a continued focus on the issues of unregulated accommodation and the temporary skilled visa system.

“The TAA team is also set to move into our new stand-alone premises at Culwala Chambers on Castlereagh Street in coming weeks, giving us own space to service the accommodation sector.”

Johnson was General Manager of PARKROYAL Parramatta for six years and prior to that was the General Manager of PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport and General Manager of the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney.

He was also previously been a member of the AHA National Accommodation Division and the Australian Hotels Association executive.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management