THE HUNTER VALLEY WINE AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS AT AGM
Pictured left to right: Christina Tulloch, President HVWTA and CEO Tulloch Wines, Jessica Sullivan CEO Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association
Wine and tourism stakeholders in the Hunter Region attended the HunterValley Wine & Tourism Association’s (HVWTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday at Spicers Guesthouse with good attendance off the back of taking out the Silver Award for destination marketing at the NSW Tourism Awards 2019.
After two years as Chair, Lindy Hyam has handed over the baton of President to Christina Tulloch, CEO of Tulloch Wines. “It’s a great time to hand over to the incoming President as part of Board’s generational change strategy. The past years have led the way for generational succession planning. The new Board has a good mix of the new leadership generation coming through, while retaining some valuable well-known experienced Directors,” said Hyam.
A number of highlights of the past year were outlined that have helped consumer interest in the region and industry growth.
These included:
The Association conducting its first major marketing campaign in twenty years
An 11% increase in visitation to the Hunter wine region according to Destination New South Wales (DNSW)
New digital engagement using social media, and developing unique bookable products and experiences
Newcastle Airport’s new seasonal direct flights to and from New Zealand and future plans
A China strategy executing campaigns partnering with DNSW
Strong advocacy in relation to issues of mining and encroachment specific wine issues such as labelling, and consumer health concerns.
Developing economic data on the contribution of the Hunter Valley wine sector working with Macquarie University reporting $5 billion over ten years with 2,800 jobs annually.
Hyam commented, “Christina is well-known in the Valley with an exceptional set of experiences and comes from a well-recognised, long-standing family within the region. It is the right time to hand over to the next coming generation to ensure the sustainability of the wine region, the oldest continuing wine region in NSW, and still one of the most internationally recognised wine regions of Australia. Christina will also be joined by our new CEO, Jessica Sullivan who comes from a strong marketing research and digital background."
Christina commented, “Jessica and I look forward to continuing the great work the Association does in ensuring the Hunter Valley is the number one wine tourism destination in Australia. I am a strong believer in the power of a united voice in the form of our Association and the valuable work it does around marketing and advocacy. Ensuring engagement within our community and membership to achieve great things will be top of mind in my tenure as President. We are always greater than the sum of our parts when we can truly come together for a common goal.”
The HVWTA is also pleased to announce the newly appointed board members of industry’s representatives and include:
Christina Tulloch, President, Tulloch Wines
Brian McGuigan, Vice President, Australian Horticulture Management
Shaun O’Bryan, Secretary, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Ian Napier, Treasurer, Wombat Crossing Vineyard
Sasha Degen, Hunter Valley Stays
Stewart Ewen OAM, Bin 688
Phil Hele OAM, Hunter Valley Resort
Stuart Hordern, Brokenwood Wines
Brad Russ, Tulloch Wines
Chris Tyrrell, Tyrrells Wines
Hyam thanked retiring board member John Stevens, for his tremendous contribution to tourism in the Hunter Valley.