INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT with Damian Steele WHAT WE DO COUNTS <strong>QHA</strong> REVIEW | 48 ‘WHAT WE DO COUNTS’ IS ONE OF THE <strong>QHA</strong>’S TAGLINES WHICH COMMUNICATES THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION OUR INDUSTRY MAKES TO QUEENSLAND. In this election year, the <strong>QHA</strong> will represent our member’s interests to government to ensure the best possible policy settings and trading environment for the hotel, hospitality, accommodation and tourism sector. It is important that members also engage with their local politicians from all sides of politics to communicate the positive contributions they make in their communities. These positive industry messages highlights that hotels in Queensland are not only iconic but also provide incredible benefits. Employment The hotel sector employs around 44,000 people in a mixture of permanent, casual and part-time work arrangements. A further 36,000 jobs are generated indirectly by the hotel industry in allied and professional disciplines such as accounting, training, security, legal, advertising, transportation, brewing, distribution, music, finance, real estate, construction, cleaning, information and media technology, food and insurance, to name a few. A gross figure of 80,000 jobs are attached to the hotel sector in Queensland. Entertainment Hotels are traditional businesses where millions of Queenslanders enjoy themselves every week in entertainment venues of choice for all ages and demographic groups. Hotels host over 42,000 live music gigs a year for aspiring and established musicians. Taxation revenue Hotels are significant taxation revenue generators and pay over $600 million in gaming taxation and levies to the Queensland Government while contributing to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund which distributes $60 million each year to not-for-profit community groups. There are numerous other tax contributions such as payroll tax, land tax, rates, annual fees and charges. Tourism Hotels are an integral part of Queensland’s domestic and international tourism offering. Tourism is a core economic driver for the state, but especially for the regions where it plays a pivotal role in regional economic development and diversification, job creation and infrastructure investment. • Tourism generates $34.3 billion in visitor spend per year ($94 million per day), with a $44 billion target by 2032. Tourism is Queensland’s sixth largest export, generating $2.1 billion in overseas tourism exports and providing 206,000 jobs – a high proportion of which are youth employment. • Tourism has vast economic and social reach. The value of tourism extends beyond leisure and recreation, providing a catalyst to achieve other Queensland Government strategic objectives related to First Nations, innovation, arts and culture, disability access and equity, as well as contributing to Queensland’s sustainability and climate change goals. • The tourism industry, including pubs and accommodation hotels, contribute to over 7.5% of Queensland’s Gross State Product. Tourism contributes $22 billion to the state (GSP), and $13 billion into regional economies. Charitable and community support However, it is beyond the pure quantitative results where hotels are vital, considering the strong tradition of community engagement and support for charitable causes, particularly in regional Queensland. In the remote communities it is the hotel that serves as the local: - community hall - communication hub - service station and bus stop - tourist information centre - Royal Flying Doctor depot - support group for many local community groups <strong>QHA</strong> representation Hoteliers provide many services to Queenslanders and are often the first source of employment for many young Queenslanders. The <strong>QHA</strong> believes the Queensland Government must support the brave investors that continue to operate in the hotel industry, and as such, it is vital to consider policies and review existing legislation to improve the lot of all members of the industry. Above all, the <strong>QHA</strong> requires governments to consider policies that are strictly targeted on either encouraging investment and jobs growth or purposefully reducing costs and administrative burdens. The Queensland hotel industry supports an evidencebased and cooperative approach to liquor industry regulation and oversight. It is committed to responsible industry and customer practice, and remains prepared to invest in industry training, facilities, employment and product development. We encourage all members at every opportunity to remind your local politicians and community stakeholders that What We Do Counts!
Contact your SouthTrade representative or scan the QR code to enquire. Available from ALM, Paramount & ILG.
Change language