The significance of Wrest Point in Tasmania's tourism and hospitality industry

As a study in tourism and hospitality, Wrest Point provides an opportunity to explore one of the most unique hotels in the world. Since 1939, it has been an industry leader in terms of product innovation and corporate success. Given the vagaries of the industry, it is unusual for any hotel to retain its appeal with successive generations; to remain a city's premier hotel for 70 years is a rarity indeed. The truly remarkable aspect of Wrest Point however, is its role in the economic and social development of its host community. Almost every aspect of todavs tourism and hospitality industry on which Tasmania is so dependant can be traced to Wrest Point. In the form of a longitudinal case study, this paper follows the evolution of Wrest Point from its infamy as the location of the Hobart gibbet, through the war years and Australia's first casino, to its role as one of Tasmania's most influential economic catalyst.