Front Desk

What’s on the 2021 horizon?

Our collective hope for a vibrant and busy school summer holiday season may finally come to fruition! Across most states, at least.

The industry is gunning for open state borders, relaxed restrictions, and the rekindled promise of a New Zealand bubble!

However, there is still an underlying COVID-19 threat, and we must all remain cautious to prevent a new wave as that would flush away weeks of longed for bookings at any point in time. Realistically, the survival of our accommodation industry depends on a buoyant domestic market for the foreseeable future.

Campaigns both state and national are focused on boosting Mandy Clarke, Editor editor@accomnews.com.au

domestic tourism and are a first step to re-building what we once had. Australians made about 11 million trips overseas last year spending $65 billion, to have this amount spent on tourism at home would be incredible.

The first step for many managers has been to attract a ‘drive market’ and it is a tactic that has been effective in many regions. Many have been successfully tempting locals with great deals and “out of the box” marketing strategies. Now with great air travel deals available, travellers can be targeted from further afield and from other states (non-hot spot regions).

In this issue, once again COVID-19 touches almost every feature as it indeed touches every aspect of accommodation management. We learn how COVID has impacted everything about the industry from purchasing furniture to technology and vacuuming.

You will love that we have packed so many great interviews into this issue! We talk to the man who steered Hilton Brisbane through the pandemic, Chris Partridge. Also, the characterful Dr Jerry Schwartz talks to us about his new Gold Coast accommodation refurbishment at Paradise Resort. Plus, we have two superstar executive housekeeper interviews from the inspiring Maureen and Nadia.

You will find our usual Accommodation profiles plus something different. We feature a fantastic refurbishment of Lake Mac Holiday Park that chose to maximise inclusivity and accessibility.

Meanwhile, as we try to encourage travel once again, you may find a few quirky ideas and pearls of wisdom within our pages that aim to make your day a little bit brighter!

Enjoy your Spring copy of the magazine and best wishes for hurdles ahead.

Cheers, Mandy