David Brown

Director, Sydney, Australia

David Brown serves as Director of Director of Hotel Operations & Asset Management at Horwath HTL in Sydney.


Bio

He has built up over 30 years of experience in the hotel industry in a senior executive capacity. In his role, he provides expert advisory services to owners, developers, and operators, encompassing a range of activities including pre-opening planning, execution strategies, technical support, contract negotiation, asset management, performance reviews, budgeting, and standards documentation.

Prior to joining Horwath HTL, David held senior executive positions with a multitude of hospitality entities, including independent hotel groups, global chains, and domestic hotel management companies. He has a substantial 22-year track record in general management and group general management. His professional trajectory traverses Australia and the Middle East, where he has leveraged his comprehensive operations background to provide counsel on asset management assignments. His proficiency in simplifying the language used by brands and operators, through collaborative endeavours, has consistently led to superior outcomes.

David's industry experience is highly sought after for studies examining market demand, feasibility analyses and client engagement. His academic background includes an Associate Diploma in Hospitality and Catering from Townsville TAFE School of Tourism & Hospitality, a Master of Management in Hospitality from Macquarie University Business School and a Certificate in Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University.

Expert Insights

Cutting edge analysis

Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook, Sept 2023

Australia’s GDP growth for FY 2023-24 is forecasted to slow down to 1.2%, a significant drop from 3.3% in FY 2022-23. The unemployment rate is expected to rise to 4.1%, with the population projected to expand by 485,000 people and more than 235,000 individuals joining the labour force. Continued inflationary pressures and a volatile geopolitical environment pose challenges to tourism recovery, impacting travel intentions and cost of living.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia
Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook, June 2023

As of June 2023, Australia’s GDP growth is forecasted to slow to 0.9% in FY 2023-24, down from 3.1% in FY 2022-23. The unemployment rate is expected to rise to an average of 4.1%, with the population expanding by 466,000 people and over 300,000 new labour force entrants. International tourist arrivals are steadily recovering, particularly from South Asia, Middle East/Africa, and Oceania. Northeast Asia is also showing recovery following the reopening of Chinese borders. International visitor numbers are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia
Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook, March 2023

The March 2023 edition of the Horwath HTL Quarterly Hotel Market Outlook provides an in-depth analysis of the Australian hotel market, including macroeconomic and tourism contexts, key trends in hotel performance, and detailed outlooks for various regions. This summary highlights the significant findings and trends outlined in the report.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia
Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook, Sept 2022

Australia’s hotel market in Q3 2022 showed signs of recovery as international borders reopened in December 2021. The Australian business outlook forecasts growth in 2022-23 with an unemployment rate of 3.7% and an expected population increase of 321,000. However, the recovery faces challenges from geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, and interest rates.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia
Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook

Australia’s economic outlook for 2022-23 is positive, driven by the reopening of international borders and a recovering labour market. The unemployment rate is projected to stabilize at 3.8%, with a population growth of 276,000 people. International tourism is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by June 2024, contributing to the economic rebound.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia
Report

Australia Key City Hotel Market Outlook

Australia’s economic recovery in early 2022 was more robust than anticipated, with the unemployment rate near a half-century low and export prices at record highs. However, the international tourism sector faces a slower recovery due to expensive travel costs, complex travel requirements, and the ongoing risk of new COVID-19 variants. Domestic tourism is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2022-23, surpassing them by 2023-24, though Victoria and other territories may experience delayed recoveries due to prolonged lockdowns.

Damien Little
Damien Little
Director, Australia