Over the three decades John has been in the hotels business he has accumulated 390 sales worth over $440 million. During this time he has sold over 430 businesses worth $50 million. Some of John's recent transactions include Irish Murphy's for $7.8 million, Hobart Tower Motel for $3.50 million and Penny Royal Motel for $4.25 million.

1. How did you get into the hotels industry?     

I originally worked in the Commonwealth Bank but real estate was always a passion. I joined Realty House as a specialist hotel and business broker in 1983, then purchased the Company which later became a Richardson & Wrench franchise. I then joined Knight Frank in 1993 as head of their Tourism & Leisure division for Tasmania.
 
2. What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?  

I set the record for a pub sale in Tasmania at $14 million and recently sold a portfolio of resort properties for the Federal Group, our casino operators in Tasmania.
 
3.  What are the biggest issues facing the hotel industry at the moment?  

In the past five years there have been far too many liquor licences issued and there are now a large number of freestanding bottle shops competing with the hotelier. The modern trend is for patrons to frequent trendy café bars and wine bars rather than drinking at the established hotel.  The stock standard corner hotel is under increasing pressure to survive
 
4. How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?   

In the eighties and nineties most of the hotels were owned by family operators.  Once drive-in bottleshops and gaming machines were added the hotels became much larger businesses and unaffordable for a lot of buyers. Consequently today, of the top 30 hotels in the State 24 are owned by Groups rather than individuals.  

Pubs are hard work and they continually have to adapt otherwise they will go out of business.  In the last five years Hobart tourism has been booming resulting in a vast under supply of accommodation hotels. Now Hobart is going through a large transition phase with the addition of seven new hotels adding 1400 new rooms to the inventory. Also with the University moving into the CBD and building a 400 unit complex our city has never ever seen such large scale developments all at the one time.
 
5. What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?   

There will be a big shake up in our industry in 2023 when the gaming machine monopoly enjoyed by the Federal Group expires and new Government legislation comes into play.  There are already too many liquor licences.  There should be a moratorium to enable existing owners to consolidate their businesses, and have the confidence for capital improvements without having to face a myriad of more competitors on their doorstop.
 
6. What is your favourite hotel and holiday destination?   

In Tasmania it is the Country Club Resort in Launceston, whilst overseas it is the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans.

See also:

Get to know John Musca

Get to know Ian Crooks

Tasmanian Lodge, Bicheno By The Bay Is For Sale By Knight Frank