Hotel Etico – more than just a place to stay

Finalist - Employer of the Year Award 2025

Hotel Etico is more than just a place to stay - it’s Australia’s first not for profit social enterprise hotel. Nestled in the historic Mount Victoria Manor in the Blue Mountains, this pioneering social enterprise is a Finalist in The King’s Trust Australia 2025 Employer of the Year Awards.  

Co-founder and CEO Andre Comastri believes that employment is not just about a paycheck, it’s about dignity, independence, and purpose. It’s also about challenging the wider community to see both the human and economic value of an inclusive society.

Committed to transforming perceptions of disability in the workplace, the hotel offers a high-quality hospitality experience while providing employment, training, and independent living opportunities for young adults living with disabilities.

Through its innovative 12-month Academy of Independence program, trainees live on-site, receive award wages, and gain hands-on experience across all areas of hotel operations, hospitality, customer service, housekeeping, and food and beverage. They also learn life skills such as budgeting, communication, and independent living.  

The programme boasts a strong success rate - since opening in November 2020, Hotel Etico has employed and trained 50 young people and 86% of its graduates have secured employment.

By providing real jobs, training, and opportunities, Andrea aims to break the cycle of exclusion and build a more inclusive hospitality industry. Hotel Etico has over 30 industry employment partners including The Fullerton, Shangri-La, Hilton, Sheraton, Fairmont, Mercure, The W and many others.

Andrea's vision is to see a Hotel Etico in every State and Territory in Australia, transforming community attitudes towards people with disability, and making Australia's tourism and hospitality sector the most inclusive in the world.

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