Peak industry body the Accommodation Association has thanked the outgoing Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events, the Hon Martin Pakula, for his support in backing hotels, motels and accommodation providers throughout the pandemic.
Minister Pakula understands the unique challenges faced by members and was able to deploy a wide range of economic measures to support Victorian accommodation businesses. The Association looks forward to working with the new Victorian Tourism Minster to continue champion the sector’s economic value to both the state of Victoria and Australia.
Accommodation Association President, Leanne Harwood, said “We sincerely thank Martin Pakula for his outstanding service to our members, particularly in his role as Minister for Industry Support and Recovery and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.”
“As COVID decimated our sector, Minister Pakula remained an outspoken advocate for our industry within both the Andrews and Federal Governments. Martin was the first to recognise the pressing need to provide ongoing support to accommodation providers, backing our members throughout the pandemic and championing our vital role in the economic recovery of Victoria and Australia.”
“I know for a fact there are hotels in this state who would not have survived COVID-19 if it wasn’t for Minister Pakula’s unwavering advocacy on their behalf across multiple levels of government,” Leanne Harwood added.
National General Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy, Bassel Tallal, said “I warmly thank Minister Pakula for taking the time to liaise with our industry, listening and working collaboratively with us to deliver desperately needed support to Victorian businesses that ensured they could keep the lights on, doors open and Victorians in jobs. The Association are also grateful for the demand driver initiatives he deployed, including the Victorian Travel Voucher scheme that encouraged hundreds of thousands of Victorians to get out and support local businesses.”
“We look forward to forging a strong working relationship with the new Tourism Minister, working together to build on the legacy of Minister Pakula in recognising and supporting the lucrative contributions our members make in accelerating the economic recovery of our state and nation.”
