The current poaching war in the holiday letting industry challenges the regulatory code of practice and threatens the reputation of the Queensland tourism industry. 

State President of QRAMA Kim Cox said the battle within the corporate management sector threatens the reputation of the Queensland tourism industry as units and resorts under management provide the bulk of holiday accommodation in the tourist centres throughout the State. 

“This is a battle that impacts on the quality of service- the corporate management sector versus the traditional on site resident management service provided by individual management rights providers typically a husband and wife business team, “ Mr Cox said. 

“We believe that the current campaign is an attack on the privacy of the owners and also breaks the Code of Conduct set out in the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act. 

“While QRAMA is not opposed to fair rigorous marketplace competition, we are concerned that these poaching campaigns are not in the best interest of owners and not in the best interest of the tourist industry. 

“We contend that owners get better service and better quality of service from the on site manager who is also an investor in the building or property. 

We also contend that the on site manager provides a focussed and higher quality of service on behalf of owners for the holiday visitors and guests. Guests appreciate and expect the services of an onsite manager who can address any holiday needs and provide advice on excursions and activities. 

Guests have shown that they are less interested in collecting a key from an off site agent who does not provide support during their holiday. 

Mr Cox said that the Queensland tourist industry was built on the commitment by the individuals who make up the on site resident managers group that have evolved a system over recent decades that has served the needs of owners and guests in holiday accommodation throughout the State. 

“The corporates are out to grab the management of properties for the benefit of their shareholder investors as their prime objective and then economically manage the actual property owners and the tourist and visitor interests.-

“We remind property owners that in their marketing programs they are offering free bonus nights of accommodation in the properties they manage, which has to be at somebody’s cost.” he said. 

Mr Cox said that QRAMA members will continue to remind their owners of the realities of the industry and the need to continue to support on site management practices for both the quality of the tourist industry support and the best ongoing management of the building asset.  

For Further Information  

Kim Cox  0417 611 561                Peter McCall  0411 591 661