With a career spanning over 15 years in the financial services and accommodation sector, Mark commenced with Ray White Hotels in 2016 and brings to this role a unique insight by understanding first-hand the needs of vendors. This is due to having spent the previous four years working as a Hotel Asset Manager for Indigenous Business Australia providing operational oversight and investment management of a portfolio of accommodation assets ranging from corporate hotels to upscale lodges as well as working closely with a number of leading hotel management companies including IHG, Accor, Wyndham and TFE Hotels.

Tasked with building the Ray White Hotels accommodation brand, Mark offers a range of skilled services including investment sales, operator negotiation and selection, asset management, capital expenditure planning and review and debt advisory. He is also fast establishing a presence in the Asian market, meaning clients who want to move into this region are in safe and knowledgeable hands as they negotiate this new territory.

Mark possesses an impressive educational background, including graduating from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Bachelor of Business degree, a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University, and successfully completed the Advanced Certification in Real Estate and Hotel Investment – Capital Markets, Deal Structuring, Risk Management program at New York’s Cornell University. He is also proud to be able to give back via his association with the Ray White Harvard Business School program.

With his core focus on building superior client relationships, Mark strives for excellence and integrity in every transaction. He is genuinely passionate about hotel real estate and is honoured to be working under the iconic Ray White family brand.

How did you get into the hotels industry?

My first taste of the hotel sector occurred in 1996 when I completed a high school work experience placement at the Novotel North Wollongong. I remember this experience fondly, however being like a lot of 17 year olds I was unsure of what was the right career path. After completing my undergraduate studies and working across a number of senior roles in both commercial and retail banking, an opportunity arose to work as an Asset Manager with Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

This role allowed me to develop a knowledge of hotel operations, whilst also providing me an opportunity to build an extensive network of industry professionals. Both my time as an asset manager and my current role with Ray White Hotels has allowed me to be involved in such a dynamic industry of which I enjoy coming to work every day.
 
What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?

My GM at IBA provided me the opportunity to travel to the US to complete a hotel investment and real estate program at the world renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Apart from the amazing facilities, challenging curriculum and world-class lecturer; this program provided me the opportunity to grow a global network of industry participants. In saying this I am still in contact with a number of class mates located across the world.
 
I have also been extremely fortunate to have worked with some great mentors during my time in the industry. These mentors have provided me rare insights into the industry whilst also providing me with a unique learning platform.
 
What are the biggest issues facing the hotel industry at the moment?

I believe one of the industry's greatest challenges in Australia is the onerous regulatory and taxation environment. As the Australian economy reinvents itself post the resource development boom, I believe it is critical that the federal government views the tourism sector as one of the key pillars of the economy and that it looks for ways to drive growth in the sector instead of stifling it with additional taxes and regulatory burden.
 
Whilst the Fair Work Commission’s revision of penalty rates was a small step forward, we need all levels of government to support hotels and hospitality businesses to provide the services and service standards expected by travellers in a 365-day economy. Outdated and regressive taxes such as payroll tax and land tax redistribute funds that could otherwise be reinvested into hotel products and associated services. I believe that through smarter taxation and a review of the GST, governments could lower personal income tax rates which would create greater domestic demand for our industry products and services.
 
How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

The industry has seen a number of interesting changes over recent years including the evolution and consolidation of OTA's; the growth of the shared economy; and the influence of the millennial traveller on hotel brands and booking patterns. These three changes revolve around the digital transformation age and how new technologies and trends can influence consumers in the blink of an eye. Whilst the industry must find ways to embrace these changes it should also look to retain tried and tested offerings for different traveller demographics.
 
What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

Given we are in a development phase in the hotel cycle, we need all levels of government to take a consistent, more timely approach in reviewing and making decisions on development applications for hotels and other supporting tourism infrastructure. Demand to key gateway cities will continue to grow and we need to ensure that these cities have world class tourism infrastructure to support this demand. We need governments to support the industry to ensure we are a destination of choice for the 4.5 billion plus people on our northern doorstep.
 
What is your favourite hotel and holiday destination?

I have always loved the InterContinental Sydney. There is no better way to start your day with great company eating breakfast in the club lounge whilst looking over the amazing Sydney Harbour. I am really excited by the redevelopment plans for this property and I can't wait to see the finished product.
 
I love traveling throughout South East Asia as it provides a true sensory overload. The sights, smells, and tastes of this region are so diverse and to me this is what travel is all about. Another selling point of SEA is the short travel time which is particularly important when travelling with two small children!

See also:

Get to know Andrew Jolliffe - Director APAC, Ray White Hotels

Get to Know Gus Moors, Head of Hotels Australia, Colliers International