Australia’s accommodation industry is planning to encourage member businesses in Broome to participate in the expanded Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, which has been announced today.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard had extended the pilot scheme to Nauru, Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to give Pacific nations an important economic boost as well as help Australian producers.

Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro said the announcement is positive for this important tourism region.

“The Accommodation Association is urging eligible tourism accommodation businesses to use the expanded scheme to assist with alleviating labour shortages,” Mr Munro said.

“This is important for a number of reasons, notably, it is likely to translate to a higher level of service and standards.

“And if it is a success for employers, workers and guests alike, then it raises the possibility of the scheme being expanded to other tourism regions that are facing similar challenges.”

The Accommodation Association is in the process of providing further information to members about the expanded scheme.

“If successful, our tourism accommodation product in these areas will receive a timely boost," Mr Munro said.