Hotels in New South Wales are employing more people and contributing more to the state economy than ever before, according to new research by Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by AHA NSW.
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said the latest research found the association’s 350 members – from small regional motels and serviced apartments to large local and international hotels – were punching well above their economic weight.
“Our members generated $2.7 billion in revenue last financial year and contributed $2.2 billion in value to the state economy,” said McBride.
“We provided 34,600 rooms for short-term accommodation last year – with more than 36% of those in the regions.
“Our members directly employ 27,500 workers; this includes 11,400 full-time workers, 5,900 part-time workers and 10,200 casual workers.
“The majority of our workforce are aged between 25 – 44, and 61% of our staff are women.”
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said NSW is the engine room of national tourism.
“These figures show just how important the health of our sector is not only to the NSW economy but to the entire nation,” said Goodwin.
“As the Federal Election draws near this is a reminder that we need the right policy settings to encourage industry investment to promote a thriving visitor economy.”
According to the study, member hotels source the majority of their intermediate inputs from local suppliers (77% of expenditure) – ensuring the bulk of the flow-on economic activity is retained within the state.
The report also found accommodation hotels, in conjunction with pubs, host more than 90,000 business meetings and conferences, more than 89,000 sporting and community group meetings and more than 79,000 social functions such as weddings or parties annually.