The hospitality sector in the City of Melbourne includes:
- accommodation venues
- cafés and restaurants
- pubs, taverns and bars
- licensed membership clubs
- the Crown Entertainment Centre.
Hospitality is an important contributor to the city’s gross economic output and is a significant partner in the economic growth of the city and the state. In 2008 there were more than 2000 businesses employing 33,000 people in the accommodation, food and beverage sector in the City of Melbourne.
The sector also plays an integral role in many other industries, such as tourism and events, retail, culture and recreation.
The City of Melbourne developed the Melbourne Hospitality Strategy 2008–2012 in conjunction with the inaugural Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board (MHAB). Through the strategy, the City of Melbourne is formalising its connections with the sector to ensure that the sector receives the attention and support it deserves.
Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board
The Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board (MHAB) was first established in 2007.
A new MHAB was appointed in June 2009 for a three-year term. The board comprises representatives from a cross-section of the industry. They will work to ensure Melbourne consolidates its reputation as Australia’s leading hospitality destination.
From 2009, the board’s focus will be to provide two-way communication and consultation between the City of Melbourne and the hospitality sector. In particular, the board’s attention will concentrate on:
- the implementation and activities of the Melbourne Hospitality Strategy 2008–2012
- issues that are affecting the Melbourne hospitality sector, where council can play an active role.
The MHAB has delivered the first economic profile report on the sector.
In its first two years of operation MHAB has also:
- sponsored programs that provide economic support to businesses
- developed greater understanding of the sector, the services offered to and for business, and the issues the sector faces
- developed networks and built productive relationships.
View the hospitality strategy
For further information on hospitality and the strategy, please contact Ben James at the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 8789 or email ben.james@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Major players
Finding vacant spaces
To help you find vacant space suitable for your hospitality business refer to Restaurant and Catering Victoria or contact:
Teigen Marriott,
Membership and Advertising Executive
Restaurant & Catering Victoria
(03) 9654 5866
(03) 9654 5286
PO Box 18193
Collins Street
teigen@rcv.asn.au
Research
Accessibility
You can make your business more accessible to all. Download the accessibility checklist now:
Eateries accessibility checklist (PDF, 110kb)
Eateries accessibility checklist (text only, 110kb)
Entertainment accessibility checklist (PDF, 110kb)
Entertainment accessibility checklist (text only, 110kb)
Hotels accessibility checklist (PDF, 110kb)
Hotels accessibility checklist (text only, 110kb)
For more information about accessibility for your business, see Good Access is Good Business.