Stuart Ayres and Open Business

Mr Ayres: The state Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres has today announced $1 million will be spent on a new marketing campaign, letting tourists know the region is open for business, according to Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The rural community of Dungog bore the brunt of the floodwaters last month, and money will also go towards helping promote the town festival in October. Map: Newcastle 2300 The New South Wales Hunter Valley tourism sector will be handed a million dollar lifeline to rebuild in the wake of last month deadly storm. Mr Ayres said the government is sending a message that the local tourism industry is back on its feet and ready to welcome visitors. "We want to send a very clear message that the Hunter region is open for business," he said. "These are fantastic people, fantastic businesses. "Yes there were storms there a month ago but this community is up and moving from a tourism perspective and we want you to come and experience it." Mr Ayres said the campaigns would target local, national and international markets. "The million dollars will go towards quite extensive campaigns both here in NSW, interstate and overseas. "This is a really important tourism destination for NSW. "Over 3 million domestic and international overnight visitors who spend $1.4 billion in local visits. "So we know how important it is and that where the million dollars will be directed. He said the entire tourism sector is banding together to ensure the region pulls through. "We'll be spending $1 million on a tactical advertising campaign, and a promotional campaign directed at key markets, including Sydney and others, to entice them back to our region. "To let them know we are here, and we are open, and we are asking them to visit. "We'll be presenting our provedores, our restaurants, our bars, our hotels, our attractions." Photo: Hunter Valley vineyard. Tourism Hunter chairman Will Creedon said the Minister responded quickly to pleas from local operators. "Our operators, through the local tourism associations, and councils, coming together through Tourism Hunter, and the University of Newcastle quantifying first," he said. "Being able to present the data to government and government listening, and acting. "This collaboration of us all united, and actually speaking as one, we've had such success." Mr Creedon said the region has experienced significant infrastructure damage and loss of income. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.