BY FAZILA FARHAD | WELCOME to our first monthly column with CBN (publisher of Discover Western Sydney). We sincerely appreciate their support in helping elevate the profile of Western Sydney's visitor economy and our members.
Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW is the region's leading tourism industry association, bringing together businesses, attractions, accommodation providers, hospitality operators, tour companies, clubs, and key stakeholders to promote Western Sydney as a premier visitor destination.
As the region's peak tourism advocacy body, we work to strengthen collaboration, attract investment, increase visitation, and drive economic growth across one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse regions.
With the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, the region is entering an exciting new chapter. From its rich cultural heritage and multicultural dining experiences to major events, natural attractions, and world-class visitor experiences, Western Sydney is preparing to welcome the world.
We are also pleased to announce a media partnership with Community Broadcast Network (CBN), Western Sydney's leading publisher.
Through its extensive network of print and digital publications, including Northwest News, Parramatta Times, Western Sydney Express, Hawkesbury News, Macarthur Advocate, and Blacktown News, this partnership will help showcase the region's tourism opportunities, industry achievements, and future growth.
Supporting Future Talent
We have recently teamed up as a ambassador of Western Sydney University (Friends of Western Sydney Initiative) to support student work placements across the visitor economy.
This initiative will strengthen industry pathways, provide valuable practical experience for students, and help develop the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals.
As an ambassador for the program, I am proud to support this important partnership, which will deliver long-term benefits for both students and industry across the region.
Industry Forums Events and Tourism Awards
From industry forums focused on hotels, aviation, business events, and tourism development to the delivery of our annual awards program, our mission is to position Western Sydney as a leading domestic and international destination.
The Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026, now in their third year, recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and achievement across the visitor economy.
The awards have become a premier industry event, bringing together tourism operators, business leaders, government representatives, educators, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the success of our growing sector.
Research and Advocacy
We recently launched our landmark white paper, Greater Western Sydney Unlocked, highlighting the region's hotel accommodation capacity, conferencing infrastructure, transport connectivity, and the opportunities created by Sydney's two airports and expanding public transport network.
This research has been submitted to Destination NSW, BE Sydney, Premier Minns, Minister Kamper’s office WSI and local councils.
Join Us. We invite you to join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Western Sydney's tourism industry and to be part of the exciting future that lies ahead.
More information:
https://www.visitwesternsydney.com/
Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026. Date: Friday, 16 October 2026. Time: From 6:00 PM.
Venue: Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC), 81 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW.
Tickets: https://www.westernsydneytourismawards.com.au/
More to follow next month.
Fazila Farhad is Chair and Founder of the Western Sydney Tourist Taskforce.