The commitment of the Government to the hospitality industry was outlined ahead of the new year in order to tackle pressing issues.
The recent Hospitality Summit held at Parliament has outlined the focus of Government and industry leaders for its future and potential key challenges.
Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, said the Summit fulfilled its purpose to collaboratively navigate the future.
“It was great to host the Hospitality Summit at Parliament. This event has brought together sector representatives and industry leaders from the sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face, including the importance of data for the sector and the recent hospitality workforce survey results,” said Minister Doocey.
“I was pleased to confirm at the Summit that the Restaurant Association, working in partnership with Hospitality NZ, would receive funding from the Tourism Data Partnership Fund to develop hospitality and restaurant spending insights. I have heard the message from the sector the call for better quality data and insights so they can be confident in their decisions and planning.”
Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, said the Hospitality Summit had been a great opportunity for the hospitality sector and government to co-design a plan that can help tackle the challenges the sector is facing, and create conditions where hospitality can truly thrive.
Marisa Bidois, Restaurant Association Chief Executive, added that the initiative represented a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry to influence real change and contribute to the strategic direction of New Zealand’s hospitality industry.
To deliver on the recommendations agreed at the Hospitality Summit, the Restaurant Association and Hospitality NZ have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which demonstrates both organisations’ shared commitment to improving New Zealand’s hospitality industry.
Bidois said the Government’s commitment to the actions identified at the Summit and to co-fund the hospitality data project had set a positive tone for the work ahead and that the Restaurant Association was excited to work together to build on this momentum.
“The roadmap we have created is just the beginning – a starting point that allows us to work collaboratively with Government to address the critical challenges facing our sector and create a thriving, sustainable hospitality industry,” said Bidois.
Armitage added that Government support elevated the industry’s confidence.
“We welcome the Minister’s commitment and are looking forward to building on this progress. The partnership between Hospitality NZ and the Restaurant Association gives us a solid foundation to deliver on the actions agreed to at the Summit and achieve real results for the hospitality industry.”
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