HSA February 2021

AHA|SA President,
David Basheer, with
Attorney-General of
South Australia, Vickie
Chapman MHA, at the
2020 AHA|SA Awards
for Excellence.
Our critics have their ‘sky is falling in’ press releases pre-prepared
and attack campaigns ready to roll, but we know this technology
- with safeguards stronger than any other State - will provide a
superior customer experience and allow much-needed growth in
our sector.
Domestic tourism figures are encouraging. Members who rely
on overseas visitation have become flexible with their business
models to embrace restless local travellers keen to explore our
magnificent State.
Many celebrations and bookings that were cancelled last year
have been rebooked. Lost 2020 income has been transferred into
2021. Our own awards night was just one example of this – and
it was great to be able to have live music, which grinds to a halt
when pubs are shut. We need to capitalise on our opportunities
and remind everyone that:
• our industry is open for business
• it’s safe to visit our venues!
Of course, the widespread roll-out of the vaccine gives us the
greatest cause for optimism. People want to get back to hotels
to come together and have a good time. And to clarify media
reports, the AHA|SA is not advocating for a ‘No Jab, No drink’
policy.
So, in closing, it’s time to re-ignite the passion for what we do.
To continue to be a key part of the engine room of the State
economy.
The AHA|SA Hotel Awards are a “pinnacle occasion” –
the time when we celebrate the success of the South
Australian hotel industry, both individually and as a
whole.
It’s a chance to celebrate our fabulous hotels, which
continue to raise the bar and set new and amazing
standards of industry excellence. It’s a time when we
acknowledge the energy and ability of those individual
team members who form such an important part of our
success.
Our 2020 awards were delayed but holding them
in February 2021 was a great way to finally gather
together as a collective industry and launch 2021 in
style!
The night was a roaring success. In addition to a crosssection
of the 27,000 people that work in our industry,
the event was attended by a wide range of politicians
and industry figures, as well as our highly valued
sponsors who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with
hotels during the dark days of the pandemic. On your
behalf, I thank them again for their unwavering support.
Congratulations to all of the winners. In particular, what
an outstanding and richly deserved achievement by the
Marion Hotel to be named Hotel of the Year.
All of our winners are now entered into the prestigious
National awards to be held in Hobart in September.
David Basheer, AHA|SA President
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