Hunter businesses are celebrating after healthy trade during the Easter long weekend.
An influx of visitors from across the state and the warm weather were some of the reasons trade was up from last year.
This boost to the local economy is expected to carry well across the ANZAC Day weekend and remain high for the rest of the year.
Chairman of Hunter Tourism Will Creedon said Newcastle's popularity as a tourist destination has been growing substantially in recent years, and is gaining a foothold in the international market.
The success over the long weekend is believed to be only the start the start of strong growth expected to be coming this year.
