HSG win Gold Tourism Award

The Hunter Sports Group and Eclipse Media, Events and PR have won the Major Festivals and Events category in the Hunter Central Coast Tourism Awards 2011.

The Qantas Challenge, which saw the Newcastle Jets host international superstar, David Beckham and the LA Galaxy for an exhibition match, was recognised for its international profile and the positive economic impact on the region-s tourism industry.

Newcastle Jets Business and Football Development Manager, Michael Bridges and Eclipse Media, Events and PR Managing Director, Tracy Kearney accepted the award, thanking members of the corporate, government and tourism sectors for their support in making The Qantas Challenge an international success.

“I-m honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Hunter Sports Group. It was a privilege to introduce David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy players to our region,” Mr Bridges said on Thursday night.

“It was wonderful to see the city of Newcastle come to life during their stay and the Newcastle Jets were thrilled to play against David and some of football-s greatest athletes.”

The Hunter Sports Group and Eclipse Media, Events and PR will now represent the region as a finalist in the State Tourism Awards.

This award comes on the back of HSG’s recent acquisition of the Newcastle Knights.

“It has been an exciting week for the Hunter Sports Group; firstly acquiring the Knights and now this Award,” HSG CEO Troy Palmer said.

Next on the HSG agenda is the Rugby League and Netball Test, both which are held in October in Newcastle.

Tickets to the Rugby League Test went on sale this week to Knights and Jets members before they are available to the public on Monday.

“HSG will continue to work on bringing world class events to Newcastle,” Palmer added.

“It is great that when HSG organise these events in the Hunter they can reward their Knights and Jets members with first access to ticketing.”