A domestic market – Australian Hotelier

Pub accommodation took a hit in early 2020, however, rising domestic travel trends indicate 2021 will be a positive year of recovery if the home-grown market is targeted.

THE PUB accommodation scene had its world rocked last year. From the outset, Australia was feeling the affects of the 2019/2020 bushfire season. Only two months later when the recovery had begun, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak struck.

AHS Advisory research confirmed the toll from a year of interrupted travel on the accommodation sector, stating that occupancy levels slumped to 28 per cent Australia-wide in capital cities and 31 per cent in regional areas during June 2020. There is however, a brighter future predicted this year with regional and metropolitan areas forecasted to increase to 60 per cent in December 2021.

Pub Rooms director Ralph Kelly said the accommodation industry had to reinvent itself during the last 12 months and now relies heavily on intrastate travellers due to the threat of border closures and international travel lockdowns in place. He believes the best way forward is to continue adapting policy and pricing strategies.

“Due to isolation, there is no doubt the road to recovery will be long and hard,” Kelly added. “However, Australians are optimistic and innovative – now is the time to work together. Pub Rooms’ services are meticulously tailored to each individual client’s geographical location, focussing on what guest segments will provide hoteliers with new guest opportunities.”

Kelly noted that while mid-week occupancy is still in recovery, weekend occupancy levels are positive. He believes more work is still to be done but believes “2021 will be interesting as we hope city locations start to stabilise and the business segment gradually returns”.

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