Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) have partnered further to strengthen the hotel sector's advocacy and representation in New Zealand. The strategic partnership has aligned with TIA's extensive tourism industry network and HCA's deep expertise in the hotel sector, which will bring the hotel membership of both associations together.
The joint membership arrangement and strategic partnership will involve all HCA hotel members becoming full members of TIA. TIA hotel members will transition to HCA as their primary association while still maintaining full membership of TIA.
As the result of this new partnership, hotels will be able to access two industry association memberships while paying one combined membership fee. This will ensure sector-specific representation through HCA while supporting TIA’s position as the representative association for tourism.
Following the transition period, the combined membership of HCA and TIA is anticipated to exceed 240 hotels and 26,000 guest rooms, or almost 9.5 million available room nights per annum.
Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of TIA, said the relationship was an important step forward for both associations and responds to hotel member feedback. The goal is to ensure hotel members are best served by the two-valued associations.
"This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the history of HCA and TIA. By enabling joint membership, we are committing to share resources and expertise, and we can offer unparalleled support and advocacy for our hotel members,” said Ingram.
“This partnership not only unifies the hotel sector but also strengthens our collective voice, enabling us to achieve greater outcomes for the entire tourism industry."
James Doolan, Strategic Director of HCA, also emphasised the importance of this initiative.
"The joint membership arrangement with TIA is a response to the call from the industry for closer collaboration between industry associations, particularly around key lobbying issues that impact on the hotel sector's long-term success,” said Doolan.
“Together, HCA and TIA are a compelling offering that delivers enhanced value, outstanding events and passionate representation for our members."
Over the last twelve months, TIA and HCA have worked together more coordinatedly. TIA was pleased to welcome James Doolan on to the TIA Board in October 2023 as the Hotel Sector representative. Dooland has remained a TIA board member after this announcement.
The partnership will formally begin on the 1st of July 2024. Members of both associations have been communicated with directly regarding the transition.
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