The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association (HVWTA) warmly welcomes the announcements this week made by Premier Mike Baird regarding Newcastle to host the V8 Supercars finals series from 2017 and construction of a dedicated cruise terminal in Newcastle.

Chairman of HVWTA George Souris said "the announcements this week regarding Newcastle's successful bid to bring the V8 Supercars to the city along with commitment from the Baird Government on the construction of a new Cruise terminal, can only be beneficial to tourism in the region.”

The Cruise Industry currently attracts around 17,000 international and domestic visitors to the Hunter. The new terminal will allow Newcastle to entice more cruise ships to the region giving Wine Country the opportunity to promote day and overnight visitation.

“Hunter Valley Wine Country is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this by enticing visitors to extend their stay to one of Australia's preeminent wine & food destinations. Furthermore, the attraction of interstate and international visitors presents an excellent opportunity to expand visitation from these sought after markets” said Mr Souris.

Brian McGuigan, HVWTA committee member, attended the V8 Supercars stakeholder consultation meeting yesterday and it was announced that an estimated $57million will boost the Hunter’s economy and is expected to attract more than 80,000 domestic and international visitors. “The HVWTA is enthusiastic about the opportunities this event will bring for the region and tourism businesses” said Mr McGuigan.

The HVWTA congratulates the Premier, Mr Mike Baird for the vision and investment in the Hunter Region which will not only boost the Hunter economy but produce many long term jobs in the tourism sector.