Tonight’s 2016 Tasmanian Hospitality Association annual Awards for Excellence show that our hospitality sector deserves its reputation as one of the best in the country.
I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s award winners and nominees. I’d especially like to congratulate Tony Watson who won the Premier's Award for Contribution to the Community, and Lyndon Adams, who won the Minister's Award for Contribution to the Industry.
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 and each of their employees play a key role in making sure the growing number of visitors to Tasmania have a positive experience.
The Government is determined to continue to work with the industry to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength.
I would also like to congratulate the Tasmanian Hospitality Association for once again hosting a fantastic awards night.