WESTERN Sydney’s tourism industry is preparing to celebrate its strongest year yet as the 2026 Western Sydney Tourism Awards return for a third year.
This year's record nominations highlight the region’s growing confidence, investment, and innovation driving one of Australia's fastest-growing visitor economies.
Since launching in 2024, the awards have quickly become one of the most anticipated events on Western Sydney’s tourism calendar. This year also sees a significant milestone, with nominations doubling from the previous year across 13 categories.
The record growth in nominations reflects not only the increasing depth and diversity of Western Sydney's visitor economy, but also the growing confidence and momentum being generated across the industry through the work of the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce (WSTTF).
The growth comes at a time of increasing recognition for Western Sydney as one of Australia's most dynamic visitor destinations. Recent figures show the region welcomed 29.6 million visitors - in the year ending June 20261, demonstrating the scale of the opportunity and growing appeal of the region to domestic and international travellers.
The awards celebrate the businesses, organisations and individuals helping drive that success. Finalists span accommodation, visitor experiences, attractions, events, hospitality, tours and emerging tourism businesses, showcasing the depth, diversity and quality of Western Sydney's visitor economy. A full list of finalists is available at westernsydneytourismawards.com.au
The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce (WSTTF) has played a pivotal role in driving the region’s tourism growth through advocacy, collaboration, industry engagement and strategic leadership. With membership increasing by more than 50 per cent year-on-year for three consecutive years, and Executive and Advisory Board representation from organisations including IHG, Accor, PARKROYAL, Qantas, Business NSW, Cabravale Club Resort, Liverpool Catholic Club, the Taskforce continues to strengthen industry partnerships, attract investment and elevate Western Sydney’s profile as a tourism destination on both the national and international stage.
"The momentum we are seeing today is the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and vision," said Fazila Farhad, Chair of Western Sydney Tourism.
"This year's record nominations demonstrate the confidence our industry has in the future and the extraordinary calibre of tourism experiences being delivered across our region. Our finalists are shining examples of innovation, resilience and excellence, helping position Western Sydney as one of Australia's most exciting visitor destinations."
The awards come at a transformational moment for Western Sydney. With Western Sydney International Airport preparing to welcome its first passengers later this month, the region is poised to unlock significant opportunities across tourism, business events and visitor investment.
As Australia's third-largest economy and home to one of the nation's most significant infrastructure projects, Western Sydney is increasingly being recognised as a major tourism destination and economic powerhouse.
Earlier Tourism Research Australia data, from Destination NSW, showed international visitation to Western Sydney increased by 5.2 per cent in the year ending December 2024. International visitors spent $1.7B, up 15 per cent year-on-year, while domestic overnight visitors contributed a further $1.4B in expenditure, underscoring tourism’s economic contribution to the region.2
The awards night will bring together industry leaders, businesses, government representatives, stakeholders, and tourism champions to celebrate the people and organisations driving Western Sydney's success and shaping its future.
Western Sydney Tourism congratulated all finalists and looks forward to an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and recognition at the 2026 Western Sydney Tourism Awards.