BY DAKOTA TAIT
Cessnock Council is set to launch a new Visitor Economy Grants and Sponsorship Program in the hopes of boosting tourism in the town.
According to Council data, visitation from Monday to Thursday is about 40 percent less than weekends - it's hoped supporting projects and events could boost that mid-week visitation and the length of people's stays, as well as grow jobs in the area.
The $50,000 funding pool opens up in August, but applications can be made for amounts from $5,000 to $25,000.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal says attracting 10 percent more midweek visitors would result in an estimated 35,000 additional annual visitors to the city, as well as $15 million in additional output, and 103 new jobs.
