Newcastle/Hunter region an ‘outstanding’ tourism destination
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Newcastle and the Hunter region has placed itself firmly on the international tourism map following the successful hosting of a national tourism Symposium last week, according to conference organisers.
More than 550 of the most prominent decision-makers in the Australian inbound tourism industry enjoyed the hospitality of the region last week while attending the Symposium 2008 conference, which was organised by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC).
ATEC Managing Director Matt Hingerty wholeheartedly thanked the city of Newcastle and locals from the Hunter region for their warm welcome, saying they were the key in making Symposium such a successful event.
“ATEC’s tourism conference in Newcastle was an outstanding success, and I would like to thank the city and the Hunter region in general for its hospitality,” Mr Hingerty said.
“This was due largely to both the quality and accessibility of the Hunter’s attractions, as well as the enthusiasm and hard work of local citizens and tourism-industry operators in helping our conference run so smoothly. I would particularly like to acknowledge the personal assistance of the Lord Mayor, John Tate.”
“The city of Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter region did themselves proud during Symposium 2008, and I have no hesitation in saying the area has all the ingredients to become an outstanding international tourism destination.”
“Every delegate was knocked out by the potential of the place. Newcastle is an excellent example of what is waiting for international tourists who make the effort to travel further than the major cities,” Mr Hingerty said.
Conference delegates spent up to a week in Newcastle, attending a two-day national conference, an industry workshop day and a backpacker conference, all held in the ‘Honeysuckle’ district. Delegates also experienced many of the attractions available in the region, including harbour cruises, local restaurants and clubs, and a special ‘Destination Showcase’ event held at the Hunter Valley Gardens where guests could try samples of locally-produced food and wine.
"ATEC would like to thank key sponsors Qantas and Tourism New South Wales for their support. Their foresight is a large part of Symposium's continued success. I would also like to thank the Hunter Regional Tourism Organisation, the Cessnock City Council, the Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism, the Lake Macquarie City Council, Newcastle Airport, the Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Tourism for their assistance and support," Mr Hingerty said.
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Contact: Kerri Anderson
National Media and Communications Manager
Ph: 02 8262 5501
Email: kerri.anderson@atec.net.au
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