NSW Government and Destination NSW announce funding for Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association today announced that the Hunter Valley Winter Campaign will receive additional support through the NSW Government’s Hunter Storm Recovery Plan to further promote the region after last month’s devastating storms.
The $110,000 contribution will consist of a mixture of cash and in-kind support, and is part of the $1 million package announced last week by NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres. The package will be administered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
“The campaign will convey to potential visitors that the region is not only open for business, is as beautiful as ever, but that it is also the perfect location for a short break or a longer holiday,” Mr Ayres states.
Destination NSW, Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association and other industry stakeholders launched the Hunter Valley Winter campaign on May 18. The campaign, originally worth more than $350,000, will now benefit from an additional $110,000 which will further increase the effectiveness of the promotion.
The Hunter Valley Winter Campaign is centred on June’s Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month and will now see added spend, which will focus on public relations activity and a three week advertising extension.
Vice President of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, Andrew Margan, states: “the problem that we have found historically when a natural disaster occurs, like with bush fires in the Blue Mountains and the Pasha Bulker flood [in 2007], is that it can have a significant effect on tourism even up to five months down the track.”
“The truth is that we had some problems for a couple of days after the storm with power and some trees down, but since then it has been business as usual.”
“In just under two weeks we have Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month kicking off, where we have a whole calendar of activities [across wine country]. What better reason to visit our beautiful region.”
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said it was important the region’s tourism industry was supported.
“Tourism is vital to the Hunter. In the year ending September 2014, the region attracted over 3 million domestic and international overnight visitors, with a total spend of more than $1.4 billion,” Ms Chipchase said. “This support package will see the region heavily promoted throughout Australia and the world, showcasing the wonderful range of experiences on offer and stimulate travel to this wonderful part of NSW.”
Phase one of the Hunter Valley Winter Campaign, valued at over $215,000 went to market in September 2014 and saw a notable spike in overnight visitation. Phase two valued at over $350,000 had already received enhancements by Destination NSW prior to the floods and is set to increase visitation in a usually quiet period.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Andrew Margan (Margan Family Winegrowers)
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0418201908