Newcastle Tourism Industry Group (NTIG) has started the year on a high note, hosting its largest-ever Members Meeting at The Station. Close to 150 key members in Newcastle’s visitor economy gathered on the 20th of February to discuss the future of tourism in the region.

The event featured an impressive line up of speakers, including NTIG Chair Dominic May, Lord Mayor and Councillor for Newcastle, Dr Ross Kerridge, and Glenn Caldwell, General Manager of Destination Sydney Surrounds North. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience The Station set up for Earp Distilling Co’s Over The Ditch Festival.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong turnout from our members and key stakeholders, including representatives from City of Newcastle, Newcastle Airport, Committee for the Hunter, and Destination Port Stephens,” said NTIG Chair Dominic May. “This level of engagement is a testament to the growing recognition of NTIG’s role in shaping Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Despite Newcastle’s faster-than-average recovery from the pandemic, visitor numbers remain 9% below pre-COVID levels. NTIG continues to advocate for industry growth, commercial success, sustainability, and accessibility while fostering collaboration across the region. A key initiative in 2025 is a major regional tourism event set for 24 July at Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley—anticipated to be the largest of its kind in the region. “Having the Lord Mayor join us at our first Members Meeting of the year was a welcome sign of support for the local visitor economy and the work of NTIG,” stated Dominic.

The meeting also highlighted Newcastle’s strong event pipeline for 2025, with Venues NSW announcing a record-breaking year for major sporting events at McDonald Jones Stadium. Meanwhile, Earp Distilling Co’s $2.6 million investment in the Portside and Over The Ditch Festivals further underscores Newcastle’s potential as a premier events destination.

“These festivals showcase what’s possible when we work together,” May concluded. “With continued collaboration, we can drive Newcastle’s visitor economy to new heights.”