A new strategic plan for the hospitality sector will help foster initiatives aimed at growing the industry, the Minister for Hospitality Scott Bacon said today.

Mr Bacon joined representatives from the Tasmanian Hospitality Association to officially launch the inaugural Tasmanian Hospitality Industry Strategic Plan, which was a key initiative of the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the THA and funded through the 2011-12 State Budget

"This plan gives us a snapshot of where the industry stands now, the challenges it's facing, and what both industry and Government can do to ensure the sector thrives into the future," he said.

"Importantly, it also recognises the importance of the hospitality industry to our economy - employing around 20,000 people and contributing more than half a billion dollars to our Gross State Product."

Mr Bacon said the Strategic Plan complemented the work underway through both Government and industry to support the sector.

"This plan sets out a vision for the future of the industry and strategies and initiatives to achieve this," he said.

"It is an important step in setting a vision and providing a framework to guide the development of a profitable and sustainable industry that offers quality experience and service.

"Despite the integral role the hospitality sector plays in our local economy, this report has found that its contribution to our state goes largely unrecognised.

"It has also found some concern about the attraction and retention of staff in key area, and the need to better promote career paths in the sector.

"We want the hospitality industry to continue to have access to high-quality, capable staff and resources, not only to guarantee that the industry remains profitable but also to ensure that we provide a quality service to Tasmanians and our visitors.

"The Tasmanian Government is continuing to support initiatives to address this through the $100,000 a year in funding to the sector - which is supporting workforce development initiatives aimed at promoting careers in the industry, training for people entering the industry and strengthening relations with Vocational Education and Training in Schools providers."

Mr Bacon said the Tasmanian Government remained committed to working with the industry to support it into the future.

"Hospitality is the lifeblood of our regional economies, and the state's Economic Development Plan is focused on strengthening these communities," he said.

"I believe the sector has an exciting future and, in just a few weeks, Hobart will play host to the Australian Hospitality Conference, the first of its kind in Australia, which will help raise the industry's profile and celebrate its achievements.

"The conference will take place at the Wrest Point Casino from 3 to 5 September 2012, and is bound to help cement Tasmania's reputation for quality hospitality on the national stage."

To download a copy of the Strategic Plan, or to view a summary brochure, go to www.development.tas.gov.au or www.australianhotels.asn.au.

For more information about the Australian Hospitality Conference, or to register, go to www.hospitalityconference.com.au.