University Of Newcastle Announces International Hotel School

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The University of Newcastle has announced plans to open an International Hotel School, in order to address job shortages within the region's tourism and hospitality industries.  

The program will allow TAFE students undertaking an advanced diploma, to partner their studies with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events. 

It comes in line with a national shortage of more than 400,000 jobs in the sector, and a 30% shortage in the region alone. 

Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Human and Social Futures Professor John Fischetti, said the expansion of Newcastle airport will bring about the need for more industry workers. 

He also said jobs in the sector should be guaranteed, given the shortage. 

"We believe we now have a seamless pathway, with placements each semester in-industry, so this is a very practical, hands-on degree. It will prepare you to run your own business, to work for a major hotel chain, work on a cruise ship, or to help scope out the major new eco-tourism and other things happening in the Hunter," Professor Fischetti said. 

There are currently about 30 students enrolled in the program, with plans to expand the degree to 150-200 students, and potentially establish a physical hotel in the city. 

"This would allow students to work in the University of Newcastle hotel to be able to do their work-integrated learning. Either way, all of our students will be placed in industry partnerships from the beginning, all the way through their degree," Professor Fuschetti said. 

Walka Water Works to host holidaymakers in new-look future

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Walka Water Works is set for a $25 million revitalisation, with Maitland Council and the State Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding to put the site on the tourist map.

They're partnering with Reflections Holiday Parks in the hopes of securing a joint funding bid in the Regional Tourism Activation Fund.

The site's been closed for cleanup works since February, after asbestos was detected on the grounds.

While it's expected to reopen in the coming weeks, the site's slated for bigger changes beyond that date, including holiday accommodation and opening the heritage pumphouse to the public.

Mayor Philip Penfold says it's an exciting opportunity.

"It will be everything from glamping cabins to eco-cabins, to tent sites to caravan sites," he said.

"There'll be quite a variety scattered across the various locations of Walka, so as not to spoil that site."

The plan is also proposing to improve accessibility on the walking trails, redevelop the miniature railway station, and establish a centralised amenities building.

Under the plan, Council would work with Crown Lands to make the changes happen.

"The future of the pumphouse building can be many and varied," Cr Penfold said. "Certainly it'll be a fantastic opportunity for a function centre, opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and the like."

"It's a large building. It sorely needs some TLC and some work done inside."

"The understanding that we have with the Government will help us bring this back to life. It does need funding, but we do have some irons in the fire on that."

Hunter Valley Tourism Gets A Boost

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter Valley will share in state funding to boost visitor numbers to the region.

$2 million will be shared across 26 regional council and tourism groups as part of the Feel New Co-operative Marketing Program.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association is one of the recipients of the marketing dollars for high impact campaigns to drive last-minute bookings, encourage visitor spending and increase the length of stay.

It's particularly aimed at encouraging people from Sydney to visit regional areas.

Draft Plan Paves Pathway for Lake Mac Tourism Boom

BY RAVELLE EATON

Lake Macquarie Council's Draft Destination Management Plan 2022-2026 has been released, with hopes it will lay the foundation to attract up to four million visitors within the next 10 years. 

The Plan lays out a target of 800,000 overnight visitors by 2032, with another 1.7 million day-trippers to explore key localities. 

Proposed actions include expanding Belmont Wetlands State Park, reinvigorating the use of the Catherine Hill Bay jetty and a master plan for the Lake arts precinct.

Other changes include improving visitor and recreation facilities at Rathmines and the feasibility of an indoor aviation attraction at Lake Macquarie airport with the aim to bring young people into the area.

Mayor Kay Fraser says it'll help capture an even bigger share of tourists.

"Geographically, we're also in a great position. we're easily in reach for Sydneysiders, as well as all the international visitors flowing into Australia through Sydney Airport," Cr Fraser said.

The plan is aiming to improve the current 2.2 million annual visitors to a target of 2.5-3.9 million, and for annual visitor spending to improve from $210 million in 2019 to $583 million in the next 10 years.

For more information or to provide feedback go to shape.lakemac.com.au/dmp before September 20.

$44 Million Hotel and Office Development Approved for Honeysuckle Precinct

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government has approved a $44 million hotel and office development along the Newcastle waterfront in the Honeysuckle Precinct.

The site at 42 Honeysuckle Drive is set to be transformed into a nine storey mixed-use development including an office tower and a 187-room boutique hotel with a café, bar, gym, and car parking.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes says the development will meet the demands of the rising popularity of domestic travel.

“The Honeysuckle Precinct has undergone a major facelift in recent years as more than 50 hectares of former industrial and maritime land has been transformed into a centre for entertainment, tourism, employment and recreation,” Mr Stokes said.

The project is also set to create 1,000 new jobs in construction and support 60 ongoing jobs after completion.

Construction will begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2023.

Council to Vote on Plan to Revitalise Maitland Gaol

BY ISABEL EVERETT

One of the Hunter's Heritage listed sites is set to get a major re-vamp, with Maitland council tonight voting whether to put plans for the revitalization of Maitland Gaol on public exhibition.

The plan flags creating 4-star boutique accommodation in the former Governer and Governer General's quarters, as well as improving public access, upgrading the sites auditorium, and hosting more food and wine festivals.

The gaol already hosts the Boutique Beer Festival, "Bitter and Twisted", and has been operating as a tourist destination for the past 20 years.

Maitland Gaol manager, Gordon Sauber, says like any tourist facility it needs refreshing.

"Over those 20 years visitation has peaked and we needed to come up with some new ideas for what might or might not be possible on the site, and give the site a true business footing."

"We need to enhance those activities on the site, one of the development plan proposals is a tower experience, which we regularly get people asking if they can go up to towers, this will give them the opportunities to do that and see the views."

If agreed to by Council tonight, the draft Maitland Gaol Development Plan will go on Public Exhibition tomorrow for the next 28 days, with the public invited to provide comments on the plan.

Mr Sauber says the development works would create jobs in construction.

"After that there would be a large number of jobs created from the new activities".

Port Stephens and Hunter Valley to host travel specialists

BY KYLE CARROLL

Destination NSW will welcome a delegation of Asian tourism officials to Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley over the weekend in order to potentially grow the tourism industry.

It's all part of a bi-annual trade event aimed to train travel salespeople across China, Japan and Malaysia on everything our region has to offer.

From dolphin watching in Nelson Bay to experiencing Australia's oldest wine region.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scott Macdonald, says tourism is a competitive market and is a great opportunity for our local regions.

"These people are looking at destinations all over the world, they're coming down here to do workshops in Port Stephens and see these travel experiences first hand", he said.

Port Stephens is well known for being a popular tourist destination during the summer months but Mr Macdonald wants tourism to extend further.

"It's very important that we spread the travel numbers across the year to obtain a stable tourism industry. This will keep people in jobs, keep the growth of skills and keep people investing in the region", he said.

Port Stephens Councillor Jaimie Abbott said this was an opportunity for Port Stephens to secure further tourism trade and showcase Port Stephens to the Asian tourist market.

"Port Stephens has been chosen for these national follow up tours of a bi-annual event highlights the importance and value of tourism in the region".

Image: Port Stephens

Push for kangaroo warning at Morisset

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper, is calling for multi-lingual signs to be erected around Morisset Hospital that warn of the dangers of feeding kangaroos.

It comes after several attacks against visitors who were clawed and grappled, with one man requiring 17 stitches in his face and another suffering a deep wound in his belly.

Greg Piper says the grounds of the hospital have become a tourist hotspot, with online advertising promoting the area as a cheap and highly recommended day trip for overseas visitors wanting to see kangaroos.

"It's become very popular and very widely known through social media," he said, "and I don't know how we can turn that around, that's unrealistic.

"But let's step up and do a bit more to make sure everyone who visits stays safe; ensuring their safety and the kangaroos,'" he said.

He's concerned about potential health risks associated with the wild animals coming into contact with hospital patients and staff.

Mr Piper believes tourists should be educated, not driven away from the area completely.

"It's understandable they want to do it - they're guests in our country and they want to see an Australian icon.

"I would like to see them treated as guests..."

The MP has delivered a private member's statement to NSW parliament, calling for collaboration between Lake Macquarie Council, Hunter New England Health and National Parks and wildlife to find a solution.

OUCH! This woman was attacked by an unfriendly roo at Morisset. Image: News.com.au

"Magnificent" Merewether Beach highly commended

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle's very own Merewether Beach is now in the spotlight, with independent ranking website, 101 Best Beaches, giving it a high commendation.

Clean sand and surf breaks as well as authentic locals were listed as attractive features of Merewether, which was dubbed "the Best City Beach in Australia," over destinations such as Bondi or Surfers Paradise. 

The website found that Australians are seeking less congested beaches to holiday, with the Newcastle region offering a laid back lifestyle and thriving cafe scene. 

The Bathers Way pathway for walkers and the historic Merewether Baths were also recommended by the site as must-see locations. 

Merewether Beach was further described as Newcastle's "blue jewel in the crown," made famous by surfer Mark Richards and the Surfest competition. 

The place to be: Merewether beach may see greater tourism numbers following the favourable listing.