The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA) has received the backing of two of the nation’s most important businesses, Quest Serviced Apartments and the Schwartz Family Company.
Quest Serviced Apartments said the decision to offer AAoA membership to its franchisees nationwide was to provide a greater voice for franchisee hoteliers within the association’s state and federal agenda.
The company said the three-year deal will ensure Quest franchisees are represented and considered in relation to legislative changes and at all focus groups attended by the Association on behalf of the wider accommodation industry. Primary issues for the AAoA include issues relating to consumer demand, labour and workforce issues and sustainable operations.
Quest Chief Operating Officer, David Mansfield, said serviced apartment standards will benefit from the AAoA membership.
“The Quest franchisee network manage a large number of assets, staff and guests that support the tourism industry in Australia,” he said.
“It is, therefore, vital that hotel franchisees are taken into consideration by Australian regulators and policymakers when matters that affect the tourism industry are being addressed.
“This partnership will also help reduce barriers to investment, generate business opportunities and ensure franchisees understand their rights and obligations,” Mansfield said.
Australia’s largest private hotel investor Jerry Schwartz has also signed up properties owned by his Schwartz Family Company as AAoA members.
Recent additions to the Schwartz Family Company’s hotel portfolio include Hilton Surfers Paradise, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park and the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
“My hotels cover a wide geography – NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland and in both city and regional areas – and membership of AAOA will help ensure that these hotels enjoy the best operating conditions in their respective markets,” Schwartz said.
“Our industry faces a myriad of issues currently and given that tourism and hospitality is one of the strongest growth sectors of the economy, it is important that we have a united and concerted voice so that our industry’s contribution is both recognised and supported”.