Speaking in Sydney for AccorHotel's 25th anniversary in Australia, Mr Issenberg said hotels had a new "dream phase" where the "before and after" experiences at a hotel had changed the sector dramatically.

AccorHotels arrived in Australia with the launch of the Novotel at Darling Harbour and now has 208 hotels under 12 brands across the country. It will expand with its latest $3.9 billion purchase of the Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles hotel.

But Mr Issenberg said amid the new sharing economy and guests' ability to plan and book a hotel room by themselves, and where every experience is put online immediately, its still old-fashioned service during the stay that remains the constant focus of hotel operators.

"Travel is now about the time it takes to plan and then book a holiday and select the appropriate hotel, which we call the dream phase, but once the guest arrives it's back to offering the best service we can to make the stay enjoyable," Mr Issenberg said.

"Everything has changed with technology and the sharing generation, so service is the differential for hotel operators."

He said now that most people bring their own electronic devices and download movies, demand for cable TV in a room has diminished, but demand has risen for better Wi-Fi and technology outlets.

Mr Issenberg said the sector's mega trends are the inflow of Asian travellers, the increased use of private stay accommodation, such as the group's Onefinestay​ business, and the new sharing economy, which is not just the domain of the so-called millennials but where visitors like interacting in more relaxed lobbies and common areas.

"The growth of visitors from Asia is an important mega trend that is changing the hotel and tourism sector," he said. "That includes having dual-speaking staff and different and more varied food, among many other services."

This comes as the sector is bracing for an inflow of visitors for events that are now booked at the new International Convention Centre, which has been rebuilt in Sydney and opens later this year.

According to ICC Sydney, there are already more than 100 events booked and it expects to generate at least $200 million a year in economic benefits for NSW. Given the time and distance of travelling to Australia, it is expected that some guests will stay and see more of the country, which will benefit other states.

Business Events Sydney has booked 43 events to be hosted at UCC Sydney, of which 39 are international, which is its core focus.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive of Business Events Sydney, said of this pipeline 17 events will be hosted  next year, although she expects this to keep increasing over the next 12 months,

Ms Lewis-Smith said international conference delegates spend up to 6.5 times more than a regular tourist, so this super high yield traveller is the NSW government's focus.

The chief executive and founder of Ovolo Hotels, Girish Jhunjhnuwala, said Sydney was the gateway to Australia for travellers around the world. And the opening of ICC Sydney will definitely further strengthen Sydney's position in conventions, exhibitions and entertainment segments by attracting more international business travellers to the city.

"Hotel room demand is already at an all-time high in the city, and with the ICC's opening, it's going to likely accelerate rate increases, which is sure to benefit hotels in Sydney," Mr Jhunjhnuwala said. "Overall room quality, however, continues to be a big issue, as there are limited new hotel openings and the majority of the city's hotel room inventory is old and tired. Ovolo is well positioned with recently refurbished hotels in Darling Harbour and Woolloomooloo."