4 minute read
From the President
by Boylen
DAVID BASHEER – AHA|SA PRESIDENT
150 Years of Strength Through Unity
DEFENDING, PROMOTING AND ADVANCING
This year the AHA|SA celebrates its 150th birthday. Since 1871, the AHA|SA has been advocating, promoting and advancing our members, our industry and our State.
Never before was this more evident – and intense – than the events of the past year.
During 2020 there was a unity of purpose as we worked together, determined to obtain desperately required outcomes.
It was the AHA|SA family at its best. Hoteliers and employees, the State Council, our CEO, AHA|SA staff and our tremendously supportive corporate partners … all united of one mind.
It was one in, all in. And we demonstrated yet again we have the stamina to run the course.
For 150 years, the AHA|SA has been at the forefront of public policy and social change.
Whether it be briefing a politician, negotiating a difficult scenario with a regulator or advocating to the broader community, together we get outcomes.
Generally, it’s through a soft touch - but sometimes we need to roll up our sleeves in readiness for a bit of a blue. Whatever the situation, the AHA|SA is there protecting our members’ businesses.
You might ask why the AHA|SA been so successfully in achieving its aims for 150 years? It’s simple.
For 150 years, we have been consistent in our views and our approach.
We are not a group who suddenly find it trendy to support the latest cause. We are not Insta-famous or part of the Twitterati.
The real reward of advocacy can only come from walking down hallways, by respectfully challenging people and engaging critics over long periods – for months and even years - to change public perception and more importantly, to win results for our members.
We will continue to work behind closed doors, in Parliament or boardrooms to advocate for what is important to you.
We refuse to surrender to the hypocrisy of those whose prejudices deliver unintended consequences. We must resist the naysayers who get in the way of livelihoods, employment, and common sense. Even when we find ourselves demonised and attacked, we will continue to stand up for our members.
LOOKING FORWARD
2021 will again present its challenges. But we have much to look forward to. After years of lobbying and months of preparation, the much-anticipated new gaming technology rolls out within the next few days.
Our critics have their ‘sky is falling in’ press releases pre-prepared and attack campaigns ready to roll, but we know this technology - with safeguards stronger than any other State - will provide a superior customer experience and allow much-needed growth in our sector.
Domestic tourism figures are encouraging. Members who rely on overseas visitation have become flexible with their business models to embrace restless local travellers keen to explore our magnificent State.
Many celebrations and bookings that were cancelled last year have been rebooked. Lost 2020 income has been transferred into 2021. Our own awards night was just one example of this – and it was great to be able to have live music, which grinds to a halt when pubs are shut. We need to capitalise on our opportunities and remind everyone that:
• our industry is open for business
• it’s safe to visit our venues!
Of course, the widespread roll-out of the vaccine gives us the greatest cause for optimism. People want to get back to hotels to come together and have a good time. And to clarify media reports, the AHA|SA is not advocating for a ‘No Jab, No drink’ policy.
So, in closing, it’s time to re-ignite the passion for what we do. To continue to be a key part of the engine room of the State economy.
AWARDS
The AHA|SA Hotel Awards are a “pinnacle occasion” – the time when we celebrate the success of the South Australian hotel industry, both individually and as a whole.
It’s a chance to celebrate our fabulous hotels, which continue to raise the bar and set new and amazing standards of industry excellence. It’s a time when we acknowledge the energy and ability of those individual team members who form such an important part of our success.
Our 2020 awards were delayed but holding them in February 2021 was a great way to finally gather together as a collective industry and launch 2021 in style!
The night was a roaring success. In addition to a crosssection of the 27,000 people that work in our industry, the event was attended by a wide range of politicians and industry figures, as well as our highly valued sponsors who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with hotels during the dark days of the pandemic. On your behalf, I thank them again for their unwavering support.
Congratulations to all of the winners. In particular, what an outstanding and richly deserved achievement by the Marion Hotel to be named Hotel of the Year.
All of our winners are now entered into the prestigious National awards to be held in Hobart in September.
