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Western Sydney has officially stepped onto the world tourism stage with a resounding impact. A strategic move cemented its position as a rising global tourism destination, the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW Inc. debuted at the International Travel Expo (ITE) Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from September 5th to 7th. This marks a pivotal moment for Western Sydney, as it was the sole Australian tourism association representing the nation at this high-profile international event.

A Global Platform for Western Sydney

The ITE HCMC is one of Asia’s largest travel expos, drawing participation from over 400 companies representing 40 countries and territories and attracting more than 25,000 trade visitors. The expo serves as a meeting ground for global tourism associations, tour operators, hotel chains, and travel service providers. It provides Western Sydney an invaluable platform to showcase itself as a prime destination on the international tourism map.

: Western Sydney Tourism Signing MOU with Ho Chi Min Tourism Association Directors on 6th September in Ho Chi Minh City.

: The board of Western Sydney with the Deputy Director of Tourism HO Chi Min city Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa and Director of Tourism Cambodia. The board was invited to a Cruise lunch hosted by Catherine Cruise which flows from the Saigon River of Ho Chi Minh city into Cambodia.

Leadership at the Helm

Chair Fazila Farhad and board members Davy Nguyen and Brent Hilbrink Watson led the Western Sydney delegation. Their mission was clear: promote Western Sydney as a premier international destination. Farhad expressed excitement about the growing recognition of Western Sydney, particularly in the context of the Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport, which is set to become a key asset for the region.

“Many countries were unaware of the new 24/7 WSI airport, a transformative project that positions Western Sydney as a hub for international travelers. With Vietnam’s population of 100 million, Australia ranks among their top three travel destinations due to the short eight-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney,” noted Farhad. “We used this opportunity to engage with representatives from the UAE, Europe, USA, China, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, India, and other ASEAN countries to promote the advantages of Western Sydney as a thriving tourism region. However, one of the recurring challenges raised was the difficulty in securing tourist visas, which is a significant barrier to increasing inbound tours to Australia.”

: WS Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad Signing MOU with the three Tourism representatives from three provinces of Vietnam, Quang Nam Tourism and Promotion centre, Da Nang Tourism and Promotion centre, Thua Thein Hue Tourism Promotion centre on Friday13th September in Sydney Novotel Darling Square. Also seen is the Consular general of Vietnam Nguyen Dang Thang.

: WS Tourism Taskforce board with three Tourism representatives from three provinces of Vietnam, Quang Nam Tourism and Promotion centre ,Da Nang Tourism and Promotion centre ,Thua Thein Hue Tourism Promotion centre and team with their foreign affairs and consulate General on Friday13th September in Sydney Novotel Darling Square.

Strengthening International Ties

In a milestone achievement, the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce formalized agreements with several key tourism organizations in Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh Tourism Association, Quang Nam Tourism and Promotion Centre, Da Nang Tourism and Promotion Centre, and Thua Thien Hue Tourism Promotion Centre have all committed to strengthening inbound and outbound tourism between the two countries. This collaboration is expected to boost tourism and promote direct travel links between Vietnam and Australia.

In a significant development, Da Nang Province is already planning direct flights between Vietnam and the Western Sydney International Airport. A delegation from Da Nang recently visited the WSI in Sydney to explore future cooperation.

Preparing for a Tourism Surge

With the WSI Airport nearing completion, Western Sydney is gearing up for an influx of international tourists. The region will welcome between 5 and 10 million passengers annually within the next two years. The Taskforce is working tirelessly to ensure that Western Sydney’s tourism infrastructure can meet this growing demand. Key focus areas include improved connectivity, wayfinding signage, and comprehensive mapping of attractions relative to the airport.

“We need to ensure that Western Sydney is fully prepared to accommodate and impress global travelers,” said Farhad. “The Taskforce is advocating for the enhancement of local tourism infrastructure, which will include seamless transport links, world-class visitor experiences, and the promotion of our unique regional attractions.”

Western Sydney Awards: Celebrating the Region’s Future

In anticipation of this tourism surge, the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce invites the industry and the public to attend the Western Sydney Awards on October 24th. This prestigious event will celebrate the region’s tourism achievements and galvanize efforts to prepare for Western Sydney’s tourism-ready future.

The Taskforce remains committed to ensuring that Western Sydney evolves into a globally recognized tourism hotspot, and its participation in the ITE HCMC Expo signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the region.