The moment the entire hospitality industry has been waiting for is fast approaching, and businesses are busily preparing to throw their doors open to the entire country for the first time since earlier this year.
And while Tasmania's border re-opening brings with it heightened excitement and anticipation, the THA is also acutely aware of the challenges venues will face as they strive to return to somewhere near the booming pre-COVID times.
Feedback our staff has commonly received is staff shortages are looming as the number one problem for businesses.
The lack of tourists for the past 18 months has forced many to cut back to the bare minimum to survive, and now as they get ready to welcome the expected influx of visitors, hiring adequately skilled staff will be high on the agenda.
It is why we have been working closely with the state government and Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) to address these issues with a collaborative approach to launch our summer workforce campaign.
The T21 joint partnership has also delivered a new jobs portal to encourage Tasmanians, both younger and older, to consider jobs in hospitality and tourism.
The portal provides employers and local businesses with a free, fast and easy way to connect with potential employees, as well as making it easier for jobseekers to browse jobs and seek training and employment in Tasmania's hospitality and tourism industries.
A new digital, print and radio marketing campaign will run throughout summer to promote the jobs portal to potential employees and I encourage anyone thinking about joining our vibrant industry to visit www.tastourismandhospitalityjobs.com.au to access the opportunities available.
There has never been a better time for younger Tasmanians who might be finishing school, looking to pick up work during their summer holidays or who are taking a gap year to come and experience everything the hospitality industry has to offer.
The new campaign is also targeting early retirees looking for part-time work and whose valuable experience and skills can support businesses.
A third initiative will include a series of short courses to be delivered statewide by industry training organisation Visitor Experience Training (VXT, vxt.org.au), designed to upskill employees quickly and with courses starting from $50, it makes it more affordable for Tasmanians to consider careers in hospitality and for employers to support their entry.
Recent research shows that the best things about working in hospitality are being able to connect with people and showcase everything our wonderful state has to offer.
With visitors set to flock to Tasmania from December 15, now is the time to join the fun.
- Steve Old, THA chief executive
