NSW TOURISM MINISTER VISITS HUNTER VALLEY
The importance of tourism to the Hunter Valley’s economy was at the forefront of discussions with NSW Tourism's Minster, Adam Marshall during his visit to the region on Friday, 5 May.
Incentives for business tourism and concerns over taxes were also discussed at the morning tea on Friday, as well as the need for tourism funding to be divided fairly and spent wisely.
Mr Marshall was impressed with the structure and initiative of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Alliance (a partnership between Cessnock and Singleton Councils and the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association). Alliance chairman George Souris said the united front approach has proved to be an effective way for the councils and the local wine and tourism industries to deal with the government and achieve what they want valley-wide – increased visits, wine sales and jobs.
“We are continuing to develop Hunter Valley wine country as a world-class tourism destination,” Mr Souris said.
The meeting held at Hunter Valley Gardens was attended by members of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Alliance, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council.
Pictured left to right: Councillor Godfrey Adamwaithe - Deputy Mayor Singleton Council, Belinda Paterson - General Manager The Sebel Kirkton Park, Adam Kluft - Food and Beverage Manager Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Jason Linnane (at rear) - General Manager Singleton Council, Kirsty Woods - General Manager Estate Tuscany, Joe Spagnolo - General Manager The Vintage, Phil Hele OAM (at rear) - General Manager Hunter Valley Resort, The Hon. George Souris AM (at rear) - Chairman of the HVWTA and the HV Alliance, The Hon. Adam John Marshall, MP - Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Jane Holdsworth - Economic Development Manager Cessnock City Council, Brian McGuigan AM - Australian Horticulture Management, Bruce Tyrrell AM - Managing Director Tyrrell's Wines. Our thanks to Kyle McKendry - Hunter Valley Gardens.
