MTAG

The Maitland Tourism Advisory Group (MTAG) was formed in June 2001 to guide the development and promotion of the City and surrounds as a successful short break holiday destination in the Hunter Region.  The Group meets on a quarterly basis to plan, prepare and assist the implementation of strategic tourism programs.

The Group have responsibility for monitoring the Strategic Tourism Plan to enhance the marketing and promotion of the City as a great place to visit, and a great place to live.  The Plan focuses on building a stronger tourism industry that is strategically focused and will contribute to the economic development of the City, as well as the promotion of the area’s character, lifestyle and heritage aspects.  Major focus areas of the Strategic Plan include:

Building the Maitland, Hunter Valley brand through comprehensive marketing and promotion activities;

Participation in Hunter Regional Tourism Organisation (HRTO), Hunter Valley destination and Tourism NSW marketing initiatives;

Development and implementation of strategies to identify and address deficiencies in acommodation and facility provision;

Management of major events such as Hunter Valley Steamfest and Bitter & Twisted through implementation of the events strategy and specifically, strategic planning input and support in access to grant funding and sponsorship;

Development of stronger tourism industry networks and facilitation of materials, training and resources to encourage, monitor and advise on the delivery of the best possible tourism services;

Development and implementation of mechanisms to measure and evaluate tourism trends, visitor and employment numbers;

Enhanced input to wider Council and City strategies to promote awareness of the impact of facilities and services on visitor perceptions of the City/length of stay/expenditure;

Development and implementation of strategies to communicate to the community the contribution of tourism to the City and its development.

Outgoing members (who may re-nominate) of the Maitland Tourism Advisory Group include:

Chairperson - Maitland City Councillor (TBC)
Cr Peter Garnham (Steamfest representative)

Representatives from:

Northern Highland Travel

Bushrangers Bar & Brassiere

Morpeth Wine Cellar

Princess Bazaar

Quest Apartments

The Bradford

Maitland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Cr Peter Garnham (Maitland City Council)

Cr Stephen Mudd (Maitland City Council)

Ex Officio Members:

Ms Rachel MacLucas, Tourism Manager

Mr Graeme Tolhurst, Group Manger Finance & Administration