AusLeisure

The official opening of the Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre has prompted a call for major infrastructure support to boost the future of tourism in the Hunter Valley.

Speaking at the opening of the new conference venue, linked to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, hotel developer Dr Jerry Schwartz told NSW Premier Mike Baird that major infrastructure support was required if Hunter Valley tourism was to be transformed from a “cocoon to a butterfly”.

Dr Schwartz called for an upgrading of Cessnock Airport to a commercial airport, and for major work to be carried out on the access road to the wine district from Sydney via Cessnock.

The new $6 million Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre, the largest regional convention centre in NSW, has been developed by the Schwartz Family Company.

The 1,650-delegate capacity venue was opened in the grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley at Lovedale is the latest addition to the resort that comprises the Crowne Plaza, Lovedale Brewery, a championship golf course and extensive recreational and dining facilities.

A feature of the new Centre is the re-use of striking architectural pylons that were originally part of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre exterior design. 

Dr Schwartz, a Director of the Schwartz Family Company, said that the launch of the new Centre would have a significant impact on the Hunter Valley’s ability to win major conferences and events, explaining “while some traditional mining and manufacturing industries are in decline, tourism has enormous potential to grow income for local operators and create jobs.

“The Hunter Valley has rich history and pedigree, high quality accommodation and restaurants, outstanding wines and a wide range of attractions, but I still believe that the region could be performing better.

“One of the key issues holding the region back is infrastructure. Cessnock Airport needs an urgent upgrade if we are to attract more high-yield groups, international tourists and corporate travellers.

“The airport should be upgraded to make it capable of handling commercial aircraft. This could open up a whole new access point for the Hunter Valley and maximise the potential of the region’s attractions.

“The building of the Hunter Expressway was a positive transport initiative for the region, but with the major market for the Hunter Valley being Sydney, there is also considerable scope for upgrading the route from the M1 to the wine region via Cessnock.”

Dr Schwartz praised the NSW Government for the announcement of a $123 million increase in tourism expenditure, including $40 million extra for region tourism, over the next four years, saying that their understanding of the potential of the events and tourism sector was refreshing.

He added “we believe that the NSW Government has been very proactive in the tourism sector and its redevelopment of Sydney’s Convention Centre reflects its commitment to the conference and events industry.

“We look forward to hearing more about the regional tourism strategy as many areas in regional NSW have been suffering through economic downturn, and tourism offers a cost effective, sustainable solution for business and employment growth.”

Dr Schwartz added that councils could also play a more pro-active role in supporting tourism development.

He concluded “we have had a number of major plans for expanding this venue, but we have often found that reasonable requests have taken a considerable time to be approved.

“Currently, we are looking to install holiday cabins for school groups, but we are still waiting upon approval, despite the region having very little accommodation to support such groups.

 “Providing reasons for visitors to come to regional areas needs to be a priority for Government support. For instance, the Schwartz Family Company re-introduced the Hunter Valley Wine Festival after an absence of 30 years and it is a very expensive – but worthwhile – exercise in marketing the region. We will move the event to June this year, but we need the support of State and Local governments to help market it to a wider audience.

“We believe that with adequate support we can make the Hunter Valley as well known for its tourism and events as it is for its wines.”

The new Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre comprises three conference rooms ranging from 380 metre² to 400 metre² that can be used as one ballroom for up to 1650 people or a mix of rooms with flexible acoustic folding walls. All conference rooms open onto a glass roofed gallery that gives a distinct feel for its Hunter Valley location.

The Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre is located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, which offers extensive accommodation options for delegates – 150 hotel rooms and 169 two and three bedroom villas – an 18-hole golf course, resort pool and gym, spa, restaurants, bars and micro-brewery and kid’s club.

The Schwartz Family Company owns the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Novotel Newcastle, as well as the Lovedale Brewery and other property assets in the Hunter Valley.

For more information go to www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au

16th February 2015 - NSW GOVERNMENT TO BOOST TOURISM AND EVENTS SPENDING

3rd November 2014 - HUNTER VALLEY CONFERENCE AND EVENTS CENTRE PREVIEWS NEW FACILITIES

21st June 2013 - CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY SET FOR $5.5 MILLION UPGRADE

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