The alliance is planning a huge 2018 for the local tourism industry and will approach Destination NSW with an impressive $300,000 in pledges, seeking to match the funding dollar-for-dollar and develop a major destination marketing campaign.

Cessnock and Singleton Councils with Hunter Valley Wine Country tourism operators, businesses, chambers of commerce and individuals have overwhelmingly supported the campaign, set to be worth around $600,000.

With just $15,000 remaining to reach the goal of $300,000, the alliance is calling on tourism operators to jump on this exciting bandwagon, which promises to provide an incredible boost to the Hunter region.

Alliance member and local winemaker Brian McGuigan congratulated the industry for getting behind the campaign that aims to generate an enormous increase in visitation to the region.

“We’ve got an amazing product, in fact we are the NSW premier winemaking region, on the door step of Sydney and we have potential that can be unlocked by the power of a destination marketing,” Mr McGuigan said.

“We’re calling on anyone who has an interest in boosting our region to come on board and make a pledge, together we can make 2018 a successful one and reap the benefits for years to come.

“Making a pledge is not just for those directly involved in the tourism industry, we’ve even had a plumber throw his support behind the campaign who has the foresight to see that this type of marketing will have positive flow on effects to every business.”

The Alliance Campaign Working Group, led by Phil Hele, will meet with Destination NSW on Monday to discuss the campaign, its direction and the next stages in bringing the campaign to fruition. 

For more information or to get involved in the campaign, contact Jo Thomas on 4990 0900 or to request a pledge form call 4993 6700.