Following the impacts of drought, flood and Coronavirus, our region has proved resilient in the face of adversity. As we look to the future, now is the time to create a strong plan for the growth of the Hunter Valley as a regional, national, and world-class tourism destination - building on our renowned wine and food region as well as looking at the diversity of experiences across the region.
Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council are partnering to lead an update to the Hunter Valley Tourism Plan for the period 2022 - 2030 to achieve a plan for investment, collaboration and growth that can be adopted by both Councils. The Hunter Valley Destination Management Plan 2022 - 2030 (DMP) will be Cessnock and Singleton's blueprint for developing and growing the visitor economy in the Hunter Valley. Collaboration with important stakeholders, such as Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association and the Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Alliance, will be an important part of the process, as well as community consultation.
In addition to a number of industry workshops held in 2021 and early 2022, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council are undertaking a community survey on the future of tourism in the Hunter Valley. The survey results will help inform the development of the Draft DMP which will go on Public Exhibition from April until 30 June 2022 before going to both councils for adoption in July 2022.
Tourism is everybody's business and we invite local businesses, residents and community groups to have their say. Please complete the survey below to share your thoughts about the challenges and opportunities for tourism in the Hunter Valley.
Take the survey