PAUL JUBB State President President’s Report
It was great recognition for the THA in the recent Tasmanian State Budget with the government providing further support to our association for 2017/18. This is on top of the $1.5 Million over four (4) years that the THA receives to implement our THA Strategic Plan and THA ‘Great Customer Experience’ (GCE) Program. The following are some key announcements from the budget for our industry: - Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) As part of the Government’s continued commitment to the hospitality sector and in recognition of its critical role in supporting the growth of the Tasmanian tourism industry, $245 000 has been provided to the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA). This initiative will assist with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s industry marketing, development and coordination activities, including a hospitality industry conference in October, expanded social media presence and continued roll out of the ‘Great Customer Experience’ (GCE) program. Drysdale Centre of Excellence The Government has committed $3.2 million to improve the standards and reputation of TasTAFE’s Drysdale brand in the Tasmanian tourism and hospitality sector through the establishment of Drysdale as a Centre of Excellence. The Government will work with the tourism and hospitality industry and TasTAFE to prioritise the works required for Drysdale to operate as a hub for the Tasmanian visitor economy’s requirements for training and skills development. Kangaroo Bay International Hospitality Training College The Government has committed $200 000 in 2017-18 to support the development of an international hospitality training college. The college is to be established within the premises of a boutique luxury hotel proposed to be developed by the Shandong Chambroad Corporation at Kangaroo Bay in Bellerive. This unique facility will provide training opportunities set in a fully operational hotel and the availability of trainees is expected to complement the needs of the expected growth in hotels in Hobart and across Tasmania. Small Business Grants to Support Apprenticeships and Trainees The Government has committed an additional $2 million over two years starting this year to pilot a grants program to support small business to employ more apprenticeships and trainees. Incentive payments of up to $4K per trainee or apprentice will be provided upon successful completion of major milestones in the first two years of their training. Payroll Tax Rebate (Trainees, Apprentices and Youth) A targeted payroll tax rebate to employers of eligible trainees, apprenticeships and youth. An additional $11 million for Tourism Marketing This funding will be directly invested in domestic and international marketing programs to stimulate demand for travel to Tasmania. Tourism Tasmania will undertake additional marketing activities which build on Tasmania’s distinctive tourism brand, connecting people
culturally and emotionally to Tasmania - it’s what sets us apart as a destination. $8 million to deliver flagship tourism experiences in national parks The Tourism Infrastructure in Parks Program provides a further $8 million over two years to continue the delivery of flagship tourism experiences in national parks and other reserves across the State. Tasmania is increasingly becoming recognised as a world class eco-tourism destination and this initiative further builds on that reputation. An additional $6.8 million towards a Visitor Centre at Cradle Mountain and associated infrastructure, along with viewing facilities at Dove Lake The Budget also includes ongoing investment in stage 3 of the iconic Three Capes. This stage of the development will provide improved access to Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff. $6 million as part of our Cycle Tourism Strategy to support new experiences and improve existing trails around Tasmania This includes $1 million already announced for the St Helens Mountain Bike Trail Network to create a unique stacked-loop trail as part of expanding the larger Derby to Blue Tiers project. Capping electricity prices to protect households and small businesses from national electricity price bill shock - saving average households around $300 per year Relief for medium to large Tasmanian businesses from national electricity market volatility - $20m $60m to councils for TasWater returns - takeover will save average customers up to $550 over six years
For more information go to http://www.treasury.tas.gov. au/budget-and-financial-management/2017-18-tasmanian- budget
June 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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