CEO’S UPDATE
THA CEO STEVE OLD
WELL another year is nearly over, and another rollercoaster year at that for the hospitality industry. Twelve months ago we were in a very similar position, coming out of easing restrictions and setting up for the summer while welcoming visitors from around the country into the early parts of 2021. Then the borders went up to our two biggest tourism markets for an extended period, business slowed down and we even went into our own snap lockdown because of one positive Covid case in southern Tasmania. There has been understandable angst and frustration from the entire community, but especially from the hospitality sector as we returned to the drawing board to navigate our way out of the effects of the pandemic. It has certainly at times been a slog and patience sapping exercise lobbying the state government on behalf of the THA board and the industry as a whole, but it is always worth the effort when we see our genuine concerns formally recognised and acted upon. Businesses have been forced to adapt and change and I’m extremely proud of all my staff for their efforts in ensuring venues remain on their feet, viable, and are set up to hopefully reap the rewards of what the next few months looks set to bring. Scrutiny will always come from a small minority for the funding we receive but the success and feedback of our programs is proof of how important the THA is for the industry, and how important this funding is to help operators within in it. If there is one thing our borders being closed to interstate regions for periods of times has shown
us, it is the appetite to experience everything our state has to offer is as high as ever judging by the booking numbers since premier Peter Gutwein announced the December 15 reopening. The buzz has certainly returned as the weeks ticked by towards that date, and I’m sure the impact will be instant with hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes across Tasmania all benefiting. Wearealsohoweverwellawarethereareconcerns to keep up with this sharp rise in demand. It is why there has been a concerted effort to focus on connecting business owners and operators with potential staff, while encouraging people of all ages to join and experience the industry. The T21 joint partnership between the THA, TICT and the state government has delivered a new jobs portal (www.tastourismandhospitalityjobs. com.au) to encourage Tasmanians, both younger and older, to consider jobs in hospitality and tourism. There has never been a better time for younger Tasmanians who might be finishing school, looking to pick up summer holidays work or who are taking a gap year to come and experience everything the hospitality industry has to offer. But with our visitor numbers about to explode, it is just as important that the industry has plenty of experienced heads to lean on. Thank you to all THA staff and board members for their efforts throughout the year, it has been another challenging 12 months but equally rewarding as we get this wonderful industry back on its feet. I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year period, as we turn our attention to a big 2022, which kicks off with the national AHA awards here in Hobart on February 8.
Hospitality Review: December 2021 7
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