What We Heard at CPAQ & CIAA 2026: 5 Key Trends Accommodation Operators Are Focused on Right Now
A few weeks ago, our team attended the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) and Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) National Conferences on the Gold Coast, connecting with caravan park owners, holiday park managers, and tourism operators from across Australia.
While both events are centred on the caravan and camping sector, many of the conversations reflected challenges and opportunities being felt across the accommodation industry. As always, there were valuable industry updates, networking opportunities, and discussions about the future of tourism and accommodation. But beyond the presentations and exhibition floor, one thing stood out: 'The conversations felt different this year.'
Operators seemed more open. More willing to share challenges. More willing to ask questions; and many weren't searching for the next shiny technology or trend - they were looking for practical ways to improve operations, increase efficiency, and run more profitable businesses. Across dozens of conversations, several common themes kept appearing. Here are the five biggest trends and insights we heard at the CPAQ and CIAA National Conferences 2026 that we believe are relevant to accommodation providers across the industry.
1. Accommodation operators are feeling increasing pressure
One of the strongest themes we heard was that many accommodation businesses are feeling pressure from multiple directions. Not because Australians have stopped travelling. Not because demand has disappeared. But because the operating environment has changed significantly.
Many operators spoke about:
- Rising operational costs
- Increased competition
- Higher guest expectations
- Staffing challenges
- Pressure on profitability
Many were asking the same question: "Is it just us, or is everyone finding things tougher?"
The reality is that businesses across the tourism and accommodation sector are experiencing similar challenges. The good news is that the accommodation industry has always been resilient. But resilience today isn't simply about working harder. It's increasingly about improving efficiency, reducing manual processes, and making smarter business decisions.
2. Running an accommodation business is becoming more business-focused than ever
One of the most interesting discussions at the conference wasn't actually about technology. It was about mindset. Historically, many accommodation businesses began as lifestyle-driven ventures. Today, operators are increasingly approaching their properties with a stronger business focus.
Topics that repeatedly came up included:
- Understanding business performance metrics
- Improving occupancy rates
- Increasing revenue per booking
- Reducing operational waste
- Improving staff efficiency
- Making data-driven decisions
The operators who understand their numbers and business performance are likely to place themselves in the strongest position moving forward. Successful accommodation management today increasingly relies on balancing hospitality with strong business practices.
3. Accommodation providers are looking to do more with the systems they already have
This was one of the biggest opportunities we noticed. Many operators already have access to powerful property management systems and booking platforms.
Some of these, including RezExpert, also provide extended business tools including:
- Guest communication tools
- Online booking systems
- Automated guest messaging
- Email marketing campaigns
- Reporting and business insights
- Payment automation
- Reservation management tools
Many operators realised that improving efficiency doesn't always require purchasing new software. Sometimes the biggest opportunities already exist within the systems currently being used. RezExpert users have access to this array of extensive business tools and more. Does your property management system include these improvement tools?
For accommodation providers looking to improve operations, reviewing existing processes and technology can often uncover quick wins.
4. AI is coming - but adoption is still early
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a major topic throughout the conference.
Discussions included:
- AI-powered reception services
- Automated customer support
- Guest communication automation
- Operational workflow improvements
- AI-driven reporting and insights
There was strong interest, but it still felt like the industry is in the early stages of adoption. Most operators understand that AI is becoming increasingly important. The bigger question many asked was: "How can AI actually help me run my business better?" The opportunity isn't necessarily replacing people.
Instead, AI may help accommodation operators:
- Reduce repetitive administrative tasks
- Improve response times
- Enhance guest experiences
- Save staff time
- Increase operational efficiency
For many businesses, AI may become less about replacing human interaction and more about giving teams more time to focus on guests.
5. Relationships still matter in hospitality
Despite all the conversations around technology, automation, software, and AI, one thing stood out more than anything else:
People still wanted to connect.
Operators wanted to:
- Share experiences
- Compare challenges
- Learn from industry peers
- Understand what others are doing successfully
And in an industry built around hospitality and guest experiences, perhaps that shouldn't be surprising. Technology matters. Efficiency matters. Automation matters. But relationships still matter most.
Whether it's a caravan park, holiday park, motel, resort, or boutique accommodation property, great hospitality is still built on people. And that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
Final thoughts: The future of accommodation management is shifting toward optimisation
If we had to summarise our biggest takeaway from CPAQ and CIAA 2026, it would be this: The conversation appears to be shifting from growth to optimisation. Less: "How do I get bigger?" More: "How do I run my business smarter?"
Operators are increasingly focused on:
- Improving operational efficiency
- Maximising existing systems
- Understanding business performance
- Exploring AI opportunities
- Delivering better guest experiences
That shift may create some of the biggest opportunities the accommodation industry has seen in years. While these conversations took place at a caravan and camping industry conference, the themes felt remarkably consistent with what we're hearing across the broader accommodation sector.
We'll be watching closely to see where the industry heads next!
FAQS:
What are the biggest challenges facing accommodation operators in 2026?
Many operators are managing rising operational costs, increasing competition, staffing challenges, changing guest expectations, and the need to improve efficiency.
How is AI being used in accommodation businesses?
AI is increasingly being used for guest communication, automated customer support, reporting, reservations, and administrative tasks that save staff time.
Why are accommodation operators focusing on efficiency?
Many businesses are looking to improve profitability without significantly increasing costs. This often involves automation, better use of existing systems, and streamlined operations.
Are accommodation operators changing how they manage their businesses?
Yes. Many operators are taking a more business-focused approach by analysing performance metrics, improving occupancy, reducing waste, and using technology to support decision-making.
What role does technology play in accommodation management?
Technology helps operators manage reservations, guest communications, payments, reporting, marketing, and operational workflows more efficiently.
