PRESIDENT UPDATE
THA ACTING PRESIDENT BEN CARPENTER
The start of 2022 was much the same as the last two years, with the hospitality industry facing Covid restrictions that saw our December and January periods not live up to the expectations manyhadhoped for following theannouncement of the border reopening prior to Christmas. But with the majority of Tasmania’s population vaccinated and the removal of some Covid restrictions, our industry has seen a real spike. Venues across the state are seeing a return of regular customers and with interstate and overseas visitors again welcomed, we have high demand from tourists right across all regions which is giving our industry a much-needed boost. Premier Peter Gutwein’s shock announcement he was standing down was certainly a surprise but when you hear a man who has given his all for the past two years declare he has nothing left in the tank, it is completely relatable. It is sad to see Peter leave and it would be remiss if we did not thank him for his tireless work. Peter listened to industry’s concerns and difficulties throughout the pandemic and provided necessary support, especially during the initial stages of the Covid outbreak in 2020. This kept businesses afloat during our lockdowns and went a long way to helping industry reopen to move forward as we are learning to live with the virus. Peter supported hospitality and tourism, understanding their importance to the Tasmanian landscape and we wish Peter and his family all the best on the next stage of their lives.
We welcome his successor Jeremy Rockliff to the post and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Government moving forward. I would also like to thank the efforts of former hospitality minister Sarah Courtney. Sarah only moved into the Hospitality and Health portfolios weeks before Covid ravaged our industry, and she was left with the unenviable task of navigating the health advice and thousands of people out of work as our industry was shut down. Like Peter, Sarah was a big advocate during our deepest and darkest times, and we wish Sarah all the best in her future endeavours. We are excited to work alongside new hospitality ministerNic Street and are confident that together we can and will emerge from the past two years a stronger more vibrant industry as we all continue to learn to live with Covid and show our ability to adapt. Our success at theAHAAwards for Excellence with four venues winning titles, coupled with landing eight gold medals at the Australian Tourism Awards – four of whom are THA members – is a fantastic achievement and with our own awards to be staged at the end of May, I’m excited to see who the next batch of winners are. I look forward to seeing everyone at Wrest Point on May 30 to help celebrate.
Hospitality Review: April 2022 5
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