Accommodation Association of Australia’s members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of an amalgamation with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).
On Thursday, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) advised that 96% of members voted yes to the move, paving the way for the formation of one united industry body, Accommodation Australia.
TAA CEO and Interim CEO of the Accommodation Association, Michael Johnson, has been selected as Chief Executive Officer of the new association following a lengthy national recruitment process.
Johnson, who brings more than 30 years’ experience in the accommodation sector, looks forward to leading the new association should final approvals for the amalgamation be secured from the Fair Work Commission.
“It has long been a personal ambition of mine to see one united voice speaking for our great accommodation sector – finally this is about to become reality,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the new board and the teams as we give our members the best representation possible at all levels of Government.”
Accommodation Association of Australia President and the proposed President of Accommodation Australia, Leanne Harwood, said Johnson is “the perfect person” for the job.
“Michael will come to the role of CEO of Accommodation Australia with a wealth of experience in the sector and as someone who has personally already been heavily involved in sorting out the nuances of bringing together two highly active industry bodies,” she said.
“Importantly, he also understands the culture and approaches of both Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association. Following an extensive and heavily contested recruitment process, it is very clear Michael is the perfect person for the role.”