The Australian Electoral Commission advised that Accommodation Association of Australia’s members have voted overwhelmingly (96%) in favour of the amalgamation with Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).

Respected accommodation sector stalwart Michael Johnson will be the first CEO of the new peak accommodation hotels body Accommodation Australia should final approval be secured from the Fair Work Commission for the amalgamation.

The appointment of Mr Johnson, the CEO of TAA (and TAA NSW) and interim CEO of the Accommodation Association, follows a lengthy national recruitment process.

Mr Johnson, who has more than thirty years’ experience in the accommodation sector, said he was excited to be selected to head up the united accommodation body once it was approved.

“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,” Mr Johnson 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.”

Proposed first President of Accommodation Australia – and current Accommodation Association of Australia President - Leanne Harwood said Mr Johnson was chosen from a field of stellar candidates.

“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.”