Go-ahead for uni tourism school

THE University of Tasmania will go ahead with plans to develop a hospitality school on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

In a collaboration with Chinese company Chambroad, the university will develop the school alongside a planned hotel in Kangaroo Bay, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the company in July.

The $85 million venture is designed to meet the state’s need for international standard tertiary studies in tourism, College of Business and Economics Associate Professor Stuart Crispin said.

“In looking at this opportunity a picture has emerged of a place which could become one of the genuinely standout hospitality management offerings in the country,” Prof Crispin said. “Through the practical hands-on experience of a hospitality school located in a new hotel.”

Chambroad director Finely Zhang said the development is the next exciting phase of the hotel project.

“We are looking forward to developing both the hospitality school and an internationally branded hotel at Kangaroo Bay,” Mr Zhang said.

“The hospitality school will be an important learning institution for the growing tourism industry of Tasmania, helping young Tasmanians and students from other states into careers within the industry.

“We want to build a hospitality school with a reputation for excellence both in Australia and internationally.”

The Hodgman Government has welcomed the news, saying the development will create more than 100 jobs during the construction phase.

“The development will deliver a globally leading hospitality management college linked to a boutique hotel, restaurants and conference facilities,” Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said.