Behind developing a vaccine, Australians believe the restarting of the hospitality and tourism industry will provide the biggest boost to the economy, in new research released from the ANU today.
Mr Andrew Wilsmore, Chief Executive Officer for Alcohol Beverages Australia said today “Australians recognise the importance of our hospitality and tourism sector to the overall economy and for its ability to create jobs faster than any other sector.
“The hospitality sector lost close to half a million* jobs at the height of coronavirus restrictions, with an additional 15% lost from the workforces of beer, wine, and spirit producers.
“$8.5billion* has been wiped from hospitality business sales representing close to 10% of annual revenues, with April 2020 going down as the worst month on record* for beer, wine, and spirits producers.
“With the right policy settings and support from Governments, we have an obligation to not only recreate those jobs and economic activity, but generate even more.
“Many Australians get their first jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry and go onto great careers establishing their own small businesses and employing people of their own.
“Pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes are part of Australians’ lifestyle. Having a drink in Australia is a social activity. Watching the footy with mates, a few drinks after work at the pub, celebrating at a wedding, or a nice meal over dinner at your favourite restaurant or cafe. The shutdown ended all of that.
“Our hospitality and retail venues have worked hard to create a safe environment for customers and our own team. We now want to get on with the job of creating jobs and occasions where Australians can get back together and share a meal and drink safely and responsibly, Mr Wilsmore said.
Ends.
Note to editors: Contrary to perceptions created by a spate of dubious polls, Australians are drinking less in isolation.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 85.6% of Australians are either abstaining, drinking the same or drinking less during the pandemic shutdown. That is actually a 1.6% improvement in the number of Australia’s drinking responsibly from the ABS National Health Survey finding of 84% released in December 2018.
Media inquiries:
Andrew Wilsmore, 0403 570 407