TAA (NSW)
The nation’s premier accommodation industry body, Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA), represents the bulk of NSW’s 3, 4 and 5 star hotels. Members are drawn from leading national and international hotel groups including Hilton, Hyatt, Accor, Marriott, Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Mirvac and Starwood as well as Metro Hotels – the oldest Australian-owned and operated group.
Many independently owned and operated properties across NSW are also members; many located in the Sydney basin. These hotels play a key role in servicing the needs of many of the 10.5 million domestic and international overnight visitors to Sydney each year.
TAA was officially launched late last year with a high level meeting between Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson and senior leaders from the accommodation industry.
Two major announcements were also made to mark the release of TAA’s first five-year plan:
1. An exclusive contract between TAA and the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute to be the provider of their extensive range of hospitality, education and training packages throughout the region;
2. A partnership with AAAT Star Ratings regarding the implementation of the new Star Ratings System and TQUAL accreditation for members.
TAA Managing Director Rodger Powell is an experienced member of the accommodation industry with a global career spanning four countries with four leading global hotel brands.
TAA (NSW) Director Carol Giuseppi said TAA represents the best in the accommodation industry, providing quality service to members and the strongest representation to Government at the State and Federal levels.
A major goal of TAA is to lobby Federal and State politicians of all political persuasions on behalf of members.
“With our five-year business plan – which focuses on high profile leadership, more than $2.5 million in additional funding, internationally recognised education programs, offices in every capital city and partnership with AAAT on standards – we truly represent the needs of the accommodation industry,” Ms Giuseppi said.
“We are confident that this new organisation, with an independent board, business plan, resources and the full weight of the AHA behind it will continue to build on the success of the last 150 years.
“Our exclusive contract with the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute includes the internationally recognised CHA program which has 80,000 graduates in the USA and Europe and is available in 70 countries,” she said.
“This will provide Australian employees with internationally recognised qualifications that are transferrable from one job to another.
“Our new partnership with AAAT Star Ratings will provide convenience for accommodation operators who will be able to get both their star rating and TQUAL accreditation completed by one inspector on one visit. This is all about improving supply-side quality in the Australian market.”
TAA contact: Carol Giuseppi tel: 02 8218 1816 carol.giuseppi@ahansw.com.au
