Martin Ferguson appointed Chair of Tourism Accommodation Australia to encourage ‘one voice’ for accommodation sector at time of massive expansion.
The appointment of former Federal Tourism Minister, The Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, as the new Chair of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA), gives the sector its strongest voice in Canberra for many years.
Mr Ferguson’s appointment comes at a significant time for the industry as it concentrates resources to provide greater advocacy for an industry that is about to undergo its most significant expansionary phase in almost two decades
Mr. Ferguson was President of the ACTU for six years before entering Parliament in 1996, where he held the Shadow Ministry responsibility for tourism from 2004-2007, and was then Minister for Tourism in the Rudd and Gillard Governments from 2007-13.
Over 75 hotels are currently in the development pipeline, with the figure likely to grow to over 100 hotels scheduled for building by the end of 2020, and the boom in hotel development is providing momentum for Australia’s tourism and events sector.
“Australia now has a very competitive currency, major new tourism infrastructure underway, and is one of the fastest growing industries for employment, especially in regional areas that are currently being affected by the mining slowdown”
Mr. Ferguson
“The industry needs to advocate long-term and sustainable policies that encourage both development of the industry and creation of new employment opportunities.”
“The tourism and hospitality industry is now generating $94 billion in spending and contributing over $34 billion to Australia’s GDP, directly employing over 500,000 people and earning nearly 10% of our total export earnings, making it Australia’s largest service export industry”
Mr. Ferguson
“The accommodation industry needs to progress its strategic initiatives, such as the concentration on growing Asian business, investment in tourism infrastructure and the move to build industry resilience, productivity and quality.”