A new School for the Visitor Economy has been established, aiming to transform hospitality and tourism training across Tasmania.
Minister for Skills and Training Felix Ellis announced the initiative today, highlighting the tourism and hospitality sector’s contribution of over $3 billion annually to Tasmania’s economy.
“This is going to transform the way that we train the next generation of Tasmanians to take part in one of our most critical industries,” Ellis said.
“One in eight Tasmanians is employed through this industry or benefits from it.”
The new school will consolidate existing training offerings in tourism, hospitality, cookery, bakery, butchery, and sports leadership under unified leadership.
TasTAFE Chair Tim Gardner said the restructure follows an independent review conducted with industry input.
“It brings all these offerings under single leadership,” Gardner said.
“It allows us to review all our product offerings and also to continue to invest in and develop our people and our staff.”
A key feature of the new school is the establishment of an industry advisory group including representatives from the Tasmanian Hotels Association (THA) and Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT).
THA CEO Steve Old welcomed the announcement, saying workforce shortages have long challenged the industry.
“We’ve got a real need to get a skilled workforce in hospitality and tourism,” Old said.
“If we can work with Drysdale to make sure that we get the staff that we need into the future, whether young or old, in Tasmania, then it’s a great positive outcome for our industry.”
TICT CEO Amy Hills described the initiative as creating “a world-class centre of excellence” for tourism and hospitality training.
“We have a world-class destination… We have the world’s most amazing landscapes and a really thriving hospitality sector. So why shouldn’t we have the very best training?” she said.
The school will maintain the Drysdale brand and restaurant while focusing on restructuring internally rather than constructing new facilities.
