AUSTRALIA | Accommodation Australia has indicated that the month of September was stable for hotel stays despite cost of living pressures.
Australia’s peak accommodation industry body, Accommodation Australia, has said that new data has indicated that hotel stays were stable in September despite cost-of-living pressures slowing growth.
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the latest data market report from STR shows September 2024 occupancy at 72.7 percent up just 0.6 percent on September 2023 (72.1 percent).
He said year to date occupancy across the country was at 70.4 percent compared to 68.7 percent in the first nine months of 2023.
“Hotel occupancy is a key economic indicator,” said Goodwin.
“These figures show demand is solid but it’s clear cost of living pressures are slowing growth. Most locations have seen an improvement on last year, but we did expect stronger growth in international tourism.”
Goodwin added that hotels have done their best to keep room rates steady despite inflation.
“It’s a tough operating environment for hoteliers with rising labour and energy costs, but they have kept room rates low to meet the increasing demand,” said Goodwin.
“The average nightly room rate last month was $232.86 which is cheaper compared to AUD $237.25 in September 2023.”
Goodwin said the outlook for the Christmas/New Year period was positive, but people remain cautious about their holidays.
“We’re hoping for a busier holiday period and already seeing many consumers booking early for the best value rooms and locations,” he said.
The latest data market report from STR created for Accommodation Australia included properties in all capital cities plus Cairns and Gold Coast.
In October, Accommodation Australia New South Wales outlined its focus on migration, skills, training and apprenticeships within the local industry, specifically the chronic shortage that most of its members face.
“TAFE and apprenticeships and the need for a fresh push for young people to see hospitality as the chance for a rewarding career were also a major topic of discussion.”
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