Sydney, December 12, 2001 � This year has seen minimal change in the identity of the top ten hotel management companies in Australia, according to the results of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' annual Top Operator Survey. The survey included 85 major operators across Australia, spanning 471 tourist accommodation establishments and 70,000 rooms. The survey forms part of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' Digest Australia, 2001-02, set to be released early next month.

"Our predictions that the year 2001 would see little change in the nation's top operators proved correct in a market void of significant merger opportunities" said Mr David Gibson, CEO and Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. "This is contrary to 2000 when the growth policies of competitive global players targeted regional management companies, causing a significant change in the top ten".
 

Accor Asia Pacific Corporation continues to dominate the Australian accommodation industry, despite reducing the number of rooms under management during 2001. The company manages over twice the number of rooms compared to the next largest operator � Six Continents Hotels (formerly known as Bass Hotels and Resorts).

Mirvac Hotels, who increased their total room stock during the year, was pushed out of the top ten by this year's major mover: Pacific International Hotels. Evidencing the growth that has occurred in the serviced apartment sector, this domestic operator increased total room stock by 80% during 2001 to claim 8th position. 

The opening of the Hilton Melbourne Airport allowed Hilton Hotels of Australia to overtake Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. 

"We predict to see little change in the Top Ten during 2002" states Mr Gibson. "It will be a case of the bigger getting bigger as the competitive environment squeezes the performance of smaller properties.  This will prompt banks and financiers put pressure on owners to appoint large management companies, which offer significant marketing and guest referral capabilities".

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Digest Australia 2001/02 Edition, provides the latest analysis and forecasts for the country's five major hotel markets. The Digest features an economic report card, tourism market examination, future supply tables and an analysis of investment and management trends.

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is the world's leading hotel investment services group. Through its 18 dedicated offices and the Jones Lang LaSalle network of over 7,000 professionals in more than 100 key markets, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is able to provide clients with value added investment opportunities and advice.