I congratulate the award winners at last night's Tasmanian Hospitality Association annual Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner.
The hospitality industry is critically important to growing our tourism industry and helping us to reach our target of attracting 1.5 million visitors to our state by 2020.
It was a great pleasure to present the Minister's Award for Contribution to the Industry to Errol Stewart and the Premier's Award for Contribution to the Community to Allen Hansen. Both men have made enormous contributions to the sector.
The hospitality industry is our state's third largest employer, with more than 2,000 cafes, restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and accommodation venues across the state.
It plays a vital role in ensuring tourists have a positive experience while exploring our island, as well as showcasing our produce.
That's why we're providing more than $1.5 million in funding over four years, including $800,000 for the Tasmanian Hospitality Industry Strategic Plan, $400,000 to maintain the Workforce Development Program and $300,000 to implement a Customer Service Program.
I would also like to congratulate the Tasmanian Hospitality Association on its 175th anniversary. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the THA and the industry.