News
A new disability employment opportunity for those living in the ACT is approaching, with a disability focused hotel soon to open its doors in Canberra, following the success of its sister hotel.
The hotel group is called Hotel Etico Australia. It is the first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel group staffed by people with disability in the country focused on delivering premium hospitality service, whilst facilitating a work, training and live-in program for young adults with disability, according to their website.
1RPH reporter Julie Dean spoke with Hotel Etico Australia trainee, JP, about his experience participating in the initial program, based in the Blue Mountains.
“ It was very good. It's fun. We’re always working together. I have a support worker as well…when I do housekeeping, they always come with me. I love doing my job. It’s the best."
JP
Hotel Etico Australia CEO and founder, Andrea Comastri, explains that the concept for the business originated in Italy a decade ago after a young man with Down syndrome asked a chef for a job, sharing his dream of wanting to work in a hotel.
“ The chef gave him a chance and got together with other people to pursue this dream.”
With several locations across Italy, Hotel Etico saw the opening of its first Australian site in the Blue Mountains in 2021, as stated on the website.
“ We are independent as an organisation, but we're very well connected to the Italian origins. I knew that it was going to be successful in Australia and make a big difference,” the CEO says.
According to Mr Comastri, participants in the program live on site for three days a week for a period of 12 months.
"Paid full award wages in the kitchen, restaurant, bar, housekeeping and reception…but they also learn about living independently. The model is quite innovative."
Andrea Comastri
The CEO says that of the 41 participants who have graduated, 80% have already secured ongoing employment in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Now, Hotel Etico is partnering with Mecure Hotels to expand the Australian branch, with plans to open its doors in Canberra set for January 2026, according the website.
Hotel Etico Academy Coordinator, Emily Hoskin, says implementing the Canberra program will be another first for the business.
“Combining the program…and the Mecure staff already being a part of the hotel, we are going to integrate.”
She is encouraging anybody who wants to be involved to come and have a look at how the program is delivered.
“We have some amazing training material that we provide to our industry partners,” Ms Hoskin says. “Through disability etiquette, we start to work with our industry partners on how they can approach working with and hiring people with a disability.”
When asked if she thought employment culture for people with disability has improved, the Academy Coordinator indicated Australia still has a long way to go.
"We’re working with people…their disability shouldn't be why you don't hire them. It should be the reason why you hire them. It should be the reason why you give somebody with a disability more of an opportunity."
Emily Hoskin
If you would like to more about the program click here.
The full story will air on 1RPH on Monday.