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Budget 2021-22
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Securing the future of the hospitality and events sector

26 August 2021

Sarah Courtney MP

Minister for Hospitality and Events

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a strong supporter of the events and hospitality sector, with $39 million funding secured in the 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget to help the industries grow and attract events which will drive economic growth, tourism, and create jobs.

We recognise that our regional hospitality businesses are the lifeblood of the communities they operate in and they also help attract visitors to regional Tasmania.

Our strong events sector also plays an important role in our economy by drawing visitors into regional Tasmanian communities, and attracting interstate tourists.

The 2021-22 Budget commences the roll out of $31 million to support our vibrant events industry, including:

  • $21.5 million* to secure Tasmania's Iconic Events, comprising the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Dark Mofo, Festivale, Mona FOMA, Targa Tasmania and the Junction Arts Festival. These events are vitally important and iconic for Tasmania, with the return on investment pre-COVID in excess of $170 million;
  • $8 million for the Events Support and Attraction Fund to support existing events such Unconformity and the World Series Enduro and attract new events that will draw thousands more visitors into regional Tasmanian communities;
  • $1.5 million for the Regional Events Recovery Fund will assist eligible event organisers with grants of up to $10,000 for marketing activities or to engage short-term personnel to provide specialist advice to help improve long-term sustainability.

The hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit during COVID, and to ensure our world class industry continues to provide outstanding visitor experiences, we will deliver $8 million for a range of initiatives to support the hospitality sector, including:

  • $1 million for the Regional Hospitality Revival Fund which will provide grants of up to $1,500 to support hospitality businesses outside of Hobart and Launceston to attract visitors into the regions;
  • $2.4 million over 3 years to extend support to the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s Great Customer Experience Program;
  • $1.15 million over the next four years to build industry skills with the Clubs Tasmania program;
  • $2.25 million over three years to work with the THA to develop Hospitality 2030 workforce and skills development plan, which will build skills and develop the workforce across the hospitality sector;
  • $600 000 for initiatives will be developed to support women’s leadership skills development in the Hospitality Industry; and
  • $600 000 to deliver mental health assistance to operators and workers in the hospitality sector, as well as for preventive health and wellbeing initiatives to support a healthy workforce.

As we deliver our plan to secure Tasmania’s future, it is clear that Tasmania’s capacity to cater for increasing visitor numbers and deliver outstanding visitor experiences will be driven by the skills of our workforce.

*This initiative is funded over five years, with $18 million provided during the 2021-22 Budget and Forward Estimates period.