The Hunter Valley’s wineries have been the backbone of its tourism industry but Maitland has the potential to become the place to stay when ­visiting the region.

Melbourne Street, like High Street and its surrounds, is blessed with some wonderful historic buildings which can become the centrepieces of the city’s inner-city renaissance.

Our city planners have to be commended for the course they are taking in making the city’s central business districts thriving, living communities.

Around the world, the most attractive tourism destinations are those where the historic centres are part of the rhythm of the city’s life.

Locals eat at the restaurants and drink at the bars and by their presence are the most accurate indicators for visitors of the best places to go.

Great tourism centres such as London, Paris and New Orleans have managed to preserve their architectural heritage as part of a living city.

There are few places in NSW or for that matter Australia as blessed with as many magnificent historical buildings and attractive streets as Maitland.

The tourism industry can become an even bigger employer in Maitland if  the city can become an integral part of the Hunter Valley tourism experience.

Many of the pieces are already in place, with Morpeth a fine example of how to cater for people seeking a walk down history’s lane and finding artistic, craft and antique gems.

Our city leaders can provide the backdrop, but we also need to back it up with the best levels of service at all our businesses.

The city’s retail sector also needs to look at its operating hours and whether our rejuvenated city centres are better suited to later closing hours so that locals can shop and dine after work and tourists can do likewise after a day at the wineries.