Peter is focused on the various hotel investment markets across Australasia and the Pacific and has a transactional track record spanning budget to luxury accommodation hotels, island resorts and major portfolios.

Since joining JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group in 2004 Peter has been involved in the valuations, strategic advisory, research, asset management and marketing divisions and this allows him to deliver a well-rounded approach to every assignment.

His experience includes the divestment and acquisition of hospitality & tourism real estate assets, international marketing, insolvency & receivership solutions, government consultancy & opportunity marketing, backpacker hostels, and investment strategy reviews.

Education and affiliations

• Bachelor of Property Economics from Queensland University of Technology.
• Real Estate Salesperson in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria

How did you get into the hotels industry?

I studied Property Economics at university and during the final two years of my degree was managing a backpacker hostel in Brisbane. Prior to that I had worked in residential real estate for two years following over five years at a golf club. It was from these experiences that my passion for tourism & leisure and real estate developed and this proved to be to my benefit when an analyst position at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group was advertised. 12 years later I’m still with the firm and love every single day.

What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?

I’ve been very fortunate to work with a highly successful company and witness a couple of market cycles now so I’ve had numerous highlights in terms of both team and individual success, together with professional development in general. Your first ever deal is always a stand-out however my sale of the Pullman Sydney Airport (one of the first major turn-key transactions to take place in Australia) and the Sofitel Resort Portfolio in French Polynesia are probably my fondest. I’m also incredibly grateful and proud to have been involved in numerous major transactions such as The Westin Sydney and Hilton Sydney.

What are the biggest issues facing the hotel industry at the moment?

I won’t use this forum to get into the AirBnB debate! On that topic though, the evolution of technology (disruptors, OTA’s, online reviews, social media, marketing channels) and its impact on the industry is one of the biggest issues at present. However, the majority of these should be viewed as opportunities, not threats.

How has the industry changed in the time you have been involved with it?

The Australian hotel industry has never been as “global” as it is today. We have more owners, operators and tourists from overseas than ever before and this speaks volumes about the positive fundamentals of the industry.

What changes would you like to see over the next two to five years in the industry?

It’s often forgotten that hotels don’t generate demand, they facilitate it. Given we are in the midst of a new hotel development boom and as Australia moves further away from a resources driven economy, we need governments on all levels to commit to further hard and soft tourism infrastructure investment so as to better establish the national tourism industry as one of our most important economic sectors. We have a golden opportunity at present.

What is your favourite hotel and holiday destination?

I love the experience of entering a hotel, checking in, then walking into my room, regardless of what it is. Putting that aside, I’m currently really enjoying trying the many world-class boutique hotels that have been emerging across the country such as the Inchcolm in Brisbane or Mayfair in Adelaide. I’ve also got many favorite holiday spots be it TNQ/Byron Bay/Noosa for our annual family holiday, Adelaide or Melbourne for a weekend getaway, or the many great wine regions across the country.

See also:

AccorHotels sells French Polynesia resort portfolio to Grey Investment Group