The winners of the first Tasmanian Hospitality Scholarships have been announced today, coinciding with the final day of the inaugural Australian Hospitality Conference in Hobart.

The Minister for Hospitality, Scott Bacon, said the scholarships, which are supported by the Tasmanian Government, are aimed at promoting careers within the hospitality sector.

"One of the issues raised in the Hospitality Industry Strategic Plan was the need to promote jobs within the hospitality sector as something that's much more than just a part-time job while you're at uni - it's something that can lead to a successful and rewarding career," he said.

"These three scholarship winners will get a behind the scenes look at what goes into running some of renowned success stories, like the Museum of Old and New Art and Saffire.

"I congratulate them on their success, and hope it encourages them to take on a long and prosperous career within the hospitality sector."

The three scholarship winners are:

• Brendon Morice, from St Patrick's College, Launceston;
• Paddy Newton, from Rosny College; and
• Anita Wheeler, from Guilford Young College.

Mr Bacon also congratulated the Tasmanian Hospitality Association for hosting a very successful Australian Hospitality Conference.

"This conference has provided a great chance for members of our hospitality sector to hear from industry leaders, and I hope that experience has proved valuable," he said.

"I'm sure all conference delegates from interstate and overseas, and our guests who have come to Hobart for the awards, have enjoyed their time in Tasmania and will return home with experiences to share about our great state.

"I believe the sector has an exciting future and Hobart playing host to the Australian Hospitality Conference, the first of its kind in Australia, can only help raise the industry's profile and celebrate its achievements.

"Tonight's prestigious Australian Hotels Association (AHA) national awards, which are also taking place here at Wrest Point Casino, will also help cement Tasmania's reputation for quality hospitality on the national stage."