Advancing local business with Visitor Economy Grants Program

Published on 21 July 2023

Cessnock City Council is pleased to announce the opening of the latest round of Visitor Economy Grants to boost local business through mid-week tourism.

Organisations or individuals wanting to host events, run projects and hold conferences in the Hunter Valley region are invited to apply for the grants which provide up to $25,000 in financial support to increase mid-week visitation and increase visitor length of stay within the Cessnock Local Government Area.

The Cessnock City Council program aims to attract organisations to the Hunter Valley and builds on Council’s aim to facilitate the growth of the Hunter Valley visitor economy.

Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said attracting mid-week visitation would help create more jobs and boost the local economy.

"Our vibrant visitor economy fuels employment opportunities for our residents and drives economic growth across the region," said Clr Suvaal.

"The Accommodation and Food Services sector is our second highest employer, providing 2,597 full-time jobs, while the Food and Beverage Manufacturing sector holds the position of 7th highest employer, contributing 912 full-time jobs.

"To put it in perspective, a 10% increase in mid-week visitors would deliver a $15 million extra spending at businesses in the Cessnock Local Government Area, along with the creation of 103 new jobs."

Applications for this round of grants will take place between 1 – 31 August 2023.

For more information on the Visitor Economy Grants and to apply, visit the Council grants and club grants page here.