The alliance, a partnership between Cessnock and Singleton councils as well as the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, aims to double overnight visitor expenditure in the region by 2020.

“International tourists will be encouraged to travel due to the strength of the Australian dollar, domestic tourists will be encouraged to tour within Australia and we must all ensure we pursue excellence and the world’s best practice to ensure the Hunter is at the forefront of the NSW economy,” alliance chairman George Souris said.

The alliance will move towards partnering on critical projects and achieving a common platform for booking accommodation, events and operations. 

Its funding opportunities and ­planning will link in with the state ­government’s visitor Economy Taskforce Report and Action Plan.

The Hunter Valley is recognised as the signature wine district of NSW and is virtually at the back door of some 5.5 million domestic residents in Sydney and the Hunter, and a very close ­distance from the gateway airport and cruise ship epicentre of Australia ­delivering some 83.5 million tourists to NSW annually.

In this new role Mr Souris will be meeting all sectors and operators of local industry, big and small; emphasising the message of unity.