Hunter Valley Receives $110,000 in Funding

As part of the 2015 Federal Budget announced last week, $110,000 in funding has been given to the Hunter Valley after the region was impacted by significant storms in April.

The funding will be given to the Hunter Valley Winter Campaign through the NSW Government’s Hunter Storm Recovery Plan. The campaign will help the region’s promotional and tourism efforts, including the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month next month.

Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events said: “The campaign will convey to potential visitors that the region is not only open for business [and] is as beautiful as ever, but that it is also the perfect location for a short break or a longer holiday.”

It is hoped that the additional funding will increase traffic to the region, vital to the survival of the region.

“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, is that it can have a significant effect on tourism even up to five months down the track”, Andrew Margan, Vice President of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association said.

“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 Chipchas also stressed the importance of tourism to the region.

“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.”

For information on the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month, visit: http://www.winecountry.com.au/events/wine-and-food-month

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