Recognising excellence in our hospitality sector

Tasmania has a well-deserved reputation for quality hospitality and tonight’s award winners and nominees in the 2015 Tasmanian Hospitality Association annual Awards for Excellence are evidence of this.

The hospitality industry is a mainstay of Tasmania’s visitor economy, directly employing more than 20,000 people in over 2,000 cafes, restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and accommodation venues across the State. Each of these businesses plays a key role in making sure the growing number of visitors to Tasmania have a positive experience.

As Minister, it was a great pleasure tonight to present the Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community to Alexia Kalis and the Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry to Bill Lark. Both winners thoroughly deserved their awards and they have both helped to make Tasmania’s hospitality industry what it is today.

My Government is determined to continue to work with the industry to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. The hospitality industry is vital to reaching our target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to the state every year by 2020, which the industry tells us will create 8,000 new jobs.

I would like to congratulate the Tasmanian Hospitality Association for hosting a fantastic awards night.
Will Hodgman, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events