In March 2020, Council commenced developing the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre Business Plan for the purpose of identifying process improvements, service delivery improvements, cost savings and financial opportunities. The business planning process identified considerable duplication with Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) that was not consistent with our joint objectives. A proposal was created to collaborate with HVWTA to provide a joint tourism service that delivers improved outcomes for tourism operators, increase visitation and a unified approach to promotion and marketing.
A formal agreement was reached in May 2021 to improve collaboration and reduce duplication between the organisations. Improved collaborations between Cessnock City Council, HVWTA, Singleton Council and Destination Sydney Surrounds North has resulted in over $15 million in grant funding received for tourism related projects between 2020 and 2023.
