Andrea is Co-founder and CEO of Hotel Etico, the first award-winning not for profit social enterprise hotel in Australia, employing and training young people with disability, challenging the wider community to see both the human and economic value of an inclusive society and partnering with the Australian tourism and hospitality industry to make it the most inclusive in the world.
A strong believer in the transformative power of social enterprises to create sustainable impact, Andrea is an expert changemaker with over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector.
He held executive, director, and advisory roles in charities and philanthropy in areas including disability, youth unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, aged care, and education.
Andrea is an Honorary Industry Fellow at the UTS Business School, a 2022 AMP Tomorrow Maker, and a 2024 WestpacScholar Social Change Fellow.
In this heartfelt interview, Andrea shares his inspiring journey in his own words:
💡 What sparked Hotel Etico?
“I’ve always worked in the not-for-profit sector and been motivated by social justice. When I was approached by the founders of Hotel Etico in Italy, I knew the model would work here. Together with Alex Toselli and Tracylee Arestides, we built Hotel Etico as Australia’s first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel.”
❤️ What drives your mission?
“It comes down to fairness, dignity, and belief in potential. Meaningful employment provides financial independence, restores confidence, and shifts how people see themselves. Too many talented individuals are left out because society underestimates them. I’m driven to challenge that.”
🌱 A transformation story
“One notable one is our graduate Quinn, a young autistic man who joined us at 19 with little experience. After graduating, he became an apprentice Chef at the prestigious Fairmont Resort. His potential was always there; it just needed to be discovered and nurtured.”
💬 Misconceptions you’re breaking
“People often focus on limitations or fear of doing the wrong thing. At Hotel Etico, we show that with the right environment, everyone can be productive and live with dignity. Employers should look beyond productivity and see the holistic value — inclusive workplaces are better for staff, culture, and customers.”
🌍Advice for purpose-led founders
“Embrace diversity — it brings immense value. See the dedication people with disability bring. Ask for help, don’t be afraid, and talk to others who’ve done it. You’ll discover the powerful world of inclusive hospitality.”
✨ At Spazii, we celebrate changemakers like Andrea who lead with compassion, purpose, and vision — reminding us that inclusion is not just possible, but powerful.
🌐 Website: hoteletico.com.au
