Media Release

Travel to Regional NSW delayed

15 October 2021

Today’s announcement by Deputy Premier Paul Toole regarding a delay to regional travel to 1 November creates ongoing uncertainty for regional wine and tourism operators.

“The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association acknowledges the action taken to date by NSW Government in ensuring regional communities are safe and have access to vaccines.  Today’s announcement comes, however, as a further major blow to our industry. Businesses have been working hard towards reopening; recruiting and training staff, purchasing stock and looking forward to welcoming visitors” said Amy Cooper, CEO, Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.

“Staff vaccination rates sit at 98% across our industry. Operators have worked tirelessly to ensure strong COVID compliance and are ready with updated COVID safety plans and vaccination compliance measures for guests in place”

“Since the start of COVID restrictions 16 weeks ago, 3 out of 4 businesses have been forced to stand down over 50% of their staff. Business confidence has been impacted with 60% of local operators reporting a lack of confidence in ongoing business viability.  It is critical to get business back open as soon as possible” added Amy.

Any ongoing delay to restarting regional travel has significant economic impact on the local economy with the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism industry valued at $631M per annum and employing thousands of people from across the Hunter.

Given the ongoing hardship to businesses, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association are calling for strong business support measures from NSW Government in the anticipated announcements today.

For further information or comment, please contact Amy Cooper, CEO, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association on Ph: 0419 090 631.