Australian Hotels Association (AHA) national president and Port Lincoln Hotel co-owner Peter Hurley said skill shortages in the hospitality industry were a big concern for pub owners.

"The labour shortage in general and the skill shortage in particular is a massive issue for us," Mr Hurley said.

He said policy changes made by the federal government and issues surrounding Fairwork Australia were some of the concerns raised by those who attended the meeting last week.

AHA national chief executive officer Des Crowe said the six hotels in Port Lincoln give the town a thriving pub culture.

"The federal government continues to cry out for investment in the tourism industry and Port Lincoln shows what can happen in the right conditions," he said.

"Part of our discussions will focus on labour shortages, career pathways for Australians, and attracting disabled workers and mature workers.

"Once we can't find Australians to fill our employment vacancies then our only option is to source short-term overseas workers."

The AHA's meeting had a regional focus, including briefings from publicans in Karratha (WA), Humpty Doo (NT), Geelong (Vic), Shoalhaven Heads (NSW), Emundi (Queensland), Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge and Port Lincoln (SA).