By Andrew Starke
Tasmania’s decision to appoint a designated Minister for Hospitality has been endorsed by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).
The announcement about the new post was made by the Premier of Tasmania in Hobart this morning (Oct 30).
The new portfolio will come under the Minister for Tourism and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne.
“We have already shown we are serious about our hospitality industry,” Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett said. “Our post year 10 reforms in education will have a direct impact in providing skilled people for the hospitality industry.
“Our paddock to the plate strategy will help show case the outstanding food, wines and beers of Tasmania.”
The AHA’s National Corporate Affairs Manager, Hamish Arthur, who was in Hobart for the announcement, said the Tasmanian Government’s decision was an acknowledgement of the importance of the hotel industry which, across Australia, employ 258,286 people, while other sectors within the hospitality industry, such as restaurants and cafes, employ thousands more.
“Having a designated Minister for Hospitality further underlines the importance of hotels – and hospitality in general – to the economy in Tasmania and, indeed, the entire nation,” he said.
The combined tourism and hospitality sectors directly employ almost a million people in Australia and another half a million indirectly.
Arthur predicted there will be many benefits resulting from this appointment for hotels and the wider tourism industry.
“The appointment of a Minister for Hospitality will greatly assist the hotel and tourism industries to have a stronger voice to the Tasmanian Government, which is vital when it is making key decisions,” Arthur said.
“The AHA urges other governments around the country to consider following this government’s lead.”