The Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Hospitality New Zealand have joined forces

Tasmania and New Zealand have joined forces to boost their hospitality sectors as businesses on both sides of the Tasman wait for direct flights between Hobart and Auckland to begin.

TASMANIA and New Zealand have joined forces to boost their hospitality sectors as businesses on both sides of the Tasman wait for direct flights between Hobart and Auckland to begin.

The Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Hospitality New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a formal relationship.

Skyline photo of the biggest city in the New Zealand, Auckland. Picture: iStock.

“Tasmania and New Zealand have many things in common – stunning landscapes, strong cultural heritage and a thriving tourism and hospitality sector,” THA CEO Steve Old said.

“While the two organisations are separated by nearly 2500km of the Tasman Sea, there are many common issues. The MOU is the result of more than three years of discussion and informal collaboration between THA and Hospitality NZ.

“This strong relationship was crucial in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, with the two organisations regularly sharing learnings and responses to the many changes and challenges facing the industry.

“Collaborating to support the industries’ recovery and operating in a COVID-safe environment will be a strong focus for both organisations throughout 2021.”

Mr Old said the formal agreement had been buoyed by the Federal Governments’ announcement the direct international flights between Tasmania and New Zealand are expected to resume soon.

CEO of the Tasmnaian Hospitality Association, Steve Old. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Some of the issues to be discussed, and hopefully improved, are the recruitment and retention of skilled staff, mental health, workforce development, business costs and viability, staff visa arrangements and requirements, corporate partnerships and industry engagement.

A round table discussion in New Zealand is anticipated this year while a study tour has also been flagged to coincide with Hospitality NZ’s annual conference, which the THA has participated in for many years

It is hoped THA can host a similar opportunity for Hospitality NZ members in September 2021, when Hobart hosts the AHA National Awards for Excellence.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Officer Julie White said her organisation had been working with the THA for a number of years and the relationship had proved particularly important throughout 2020.

HOW BUSINESSES ARE COPING WITHOUT WATERFRONT EVENTS

January 3, 2021

James Kitto

THE cancellation of major Hobart waterfront events has created an economic pinch felt by several neighbouring businesses, while there’s some suggestion other traders have capitalised on festival closures.

After a year like no other, organisers of the annual Taste Festival and Sydney to Hobart yacht race announced the drawcard events would not go ahead this festive season, leaving a tourism void left on Hobart’s waterfront not seen for decades.

Ben Cooper, owner of waterfront seafood punt Fishy Business said a lack of international tourists roaming the area this summer had “undoubtedly” contributed to an economic downturn.

Taste Festival

“With the Taste and S2H cancelled this year we haven’t had those normal festivities this year that typically bring people down to the dock either,” Mr Cooper said.

“These events were cancelled for good reason though and I’m fully on board with the restrictions that have helped keep us safe.”

San Churro Chocolateria manager Aman Ahuja said the difference between summer trade this year and last was black and white.

“Last year we got a lot of trade – it was really busy at that time. This year it seems like there is no tourism,” he said.

“Every business is suffering. The NYE period has been very quiet and we’ve experienced a 50 per cent drop in sales on the same period last year.

“I hope Tasmanians, who would ordinarily visit the Taste over the festive season, will instead turn out to support local businesses.”

Waterfront Businesses Community Group consultant David Quinn said cancellation of tourism events had hit traders hard.

Yvette Duhig and AJ Richardson staff members from Mako and Fishy Business fish punts on the Hobart waterfront. They locals to help support them with no major events bring the usual big crowds to the waterfront area over Summer. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Heading into summer, accommodation bookings were looking OK, then when the S2H was cancelled a lot of yachtsmen and their families cancelled rooms,” he said.

“Some bookings were picked up by locals and other interstate travellers but the accommodation side of things has still been down.”

Despite the financial downturn felt across several businesses, Mr Quinn said some traders were reporting a spike in takings.

“One of the positive things has been that in the absence of the Taste Festival some of the bars and clubs in the area have been reporting good trading,” he said.

“Queues have been seen outside clubs before opening hours lasting until the time of closure.”

Mr Quinn said on average, businesses which fetch walk-up trade such as punts, and cafes were seeing a 10-20 per cent trade decline this summer, while larger restaurants and up-market hotels were reporting a 30-50 per cent drop.

From Thursday the Hobart City Council’s restaurant and cafes discount voucher scheme launches – a month-long initiative Mr Quinn said would likely encourage punters to support Hobart businesses.

Tasmanian Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett said Hobart businesses couldn’t for long afford to trade with closed international borders.

“In the short term people aren’t leaving the state in large numbers so, as a result, they are spending money at home but I’m not sure how sustainable that is,” he said.

“It’s unsustainable to keep us locked up. We need those drawcard events so international arrivals come here and spend their money.”