Hospitality industry welcomes appointment of Tourism Minister

Premier Colin Barnett’s appointment today of Hon Liza Harvey MLA, to the Tourism portfolio is welcomed by the Australian Hotels Association.

Australian Hotel’s Association (WA) CEO Mr Bradley Woods said “the announcement today provides the industry with greater certainty and confidence that the interests of Western Australia’s tourism industry are being represented.

“Minister Harvey is an experienced Minister with a demonstrated ability to come to grips with new portfolios quickly,” said Mr Woods.

“With the State Budget due to be handed down next week, the hospitality industry is pleased to see the appointment of a senior Minister with a passion and interest in promoting both metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

“There is an opportunity for leisure tourism to boost the state’s economy at a time when recent data shows that corporate travel has declined as the mining industry slows.

“The Liberal Party promised to strengthen Western Australia’s tourism offering with an additional investment in the tourism budget of $6 million at the last election and we hope to see this commitment reflected in the August State Budget.

Mr Woods said “The AHA looks forward to meeting with the new Tourism Minister and helping Minister Harvey to champion the interests of the growing tourism industry in Western Australia.”

Source: Australian Hotels Association Western Australia, 2 August 2013