Minimum wage increase worries Hunter Valley tourism operators

The Hunter Valley's tourism industry says the increase in the minimum wage is just another challenge for local operators who are already facing uncertainty.

The Fair Work Commission's raised the minimum wage to $640 a week and it will be higher if any penalty rates apply.

Employers say the hike could lead to the closure of some businesses with the Accommodation Association of Australia saying regional tourism operators will be hit hard.

Tourism Hunter Chairman told the ABC that the wage rise is another expense tourism operators will have to take on, stating "every increase of the expenses that is unforseen, brings more risk, brings uncertainty and it brings lack of confidence and there is no question again this week by this that it is another challenge."

Creedon says it is already a difficult market and this is just another challenge, adding “tourism in the Hunter, particularly mid week business and some weekend business, has been under considerable hardship in relation to the expenses and this is just another expense and unfortunately we are competing against the cost structure of other (destinations) like Fiji (and) Hawaii.”

6th June 2014 - MINIMUM WAGE PANEL DELIVERS 3% INCREASE TO MODERN AWARD MINIMUM WAGES

1st May 2014 - VISITORS FROM TRADITIONAL TOURISM MARKETS HEAD BACK TO AUSTRALIA 

10th August 2013 - TOURISM INDUSTRY WANTS LOWER WAGE RATES

8th September 2011 - TOURISM NEEDS LABOUR AND SKILLS

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.