Perth, often dubbed Australia’s most isolated capital, is preparing to make its presence felt on the world tourism stage as Edith Cowan University (ECU) and its School of Business and Law host World Tourism Day 2025.
The half-day forum, which will be held on 24 September at Crown Perth in partnership with Tourism WA, Crown Perth, and Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA (WiTH WA), promises a thoughtful mix of heavyweights, fresh voices, and sharp debate.
The theme, fittingly, mirrors that of the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. And if that sounds lofty, well, that’s the point. Western Australia is keen not only to be heard, but to be seen as a serious player shaping the industry’s future.
A Dean’s vision for WA tourism
Professor Maryam Omari, Executive Dean of ECU’s School of Business and Law, made no bones about the significance of this gathering.
“Tourism is a vital part of WA’s future, not only as an economic driver but as a way to promote biodiversity, honour Australia’s rich Indigenous and cultural heritage, and support local businesses and communities,” Professor Omari said.
Yet Omari is too seasoned an academic to sugar-coat the challenges.
“But as the sector grows, so do the pressures, from workforce shortages and sustainability concerns to increasing community expectations. These challenges are complex, but they’re also shared. That’s where events like this can make a real difference by creating a platform for action.”
It’s the kind of candid acknowledgement tourism insiders appreciate: a reminder that glossy marketing brochures don’t tell the whole story.
The line-up: Perth’s tourism who’s who
The event will be a WA tourism family reunion with global undertones.
Keynote speakers include:
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Caitlin Collins, MLA, Member for Hillarys
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Di Bain, Chair and Commissioner of Tourism WA.
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Brian Pereira, CEO of Crown Perth.
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Angela Beechey, Chair of Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA.
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- Dianne Bain – Tourism WA-Board
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- Professor Maryam Omari
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- Dr Joanna Pearce
Beechey will also host a fireside chat with leading voices from WiTH WA: Jai McNaughton, Lisa Spencer (Australia’s South West), and Julia Tolj (WAITOC).
And if that wasn’t enough, a panel of industry leaders will weigh in:
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Bradley Woods, CEO, Australian Hotel Association (WA).
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Sonja Mitchell, Destination Perth.
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Andy Burns, WA Agritourism Association.
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Dr Joanna Pearce, ECU School of Business and Law.
It’s a line-up that reads less like an academic symposium and more like the cast list for a political thriller where everyone knows the stakes are high, and the dialogue promises to be lively.
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- Angela Beechey
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- Bradley Woods
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- Sonja Mitchell
Why it matters now
Tourism in Western Australia has always had a touch of the frontier spirit: expansive landscapes, remote communities, and a sometimes stubborn independence. But that independence is being reimagined in the light of global tourism pressures, climate change, sustainability mandates, and rising expectations from visitors and locals.
Professor Omari put it plainly:
“This forum is about building momentum around real, practical solutions. It’s a chance to come together, share knowledge, and create stronger alignment across government, industry, and education. Ultimately, we all want to see a tourism industry that reflects the best of who we are: smart, sustainable, and inclusive of all voices.”
That inclusivity isn’t mere rhetoric. By spotlighting Indigenous tourism operators alongside agribusiness voices, and balancing big players like Crown with grassroots organisations, ECU’s event signals that WA tourism won’t be built on skyscrapers alone.
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- Andy Burns
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- Brian Pereira
Recognition from the UN
The forum has even made its way onto the official UN Tourism website, a mark of credibility that suggests this is more than a parochial showcase. For WA, that’s a win: visibility on a global stage where destinations jostle for relevance and recognition.
The involvement of sponsors such as Destination Perth, Australian Hotels Association (WA), and the WA Agritourism Association further underlines the message: this is about partnerships that cross sectors and borders.
Looking ahead
The inaugural ECU World Tourism Day forum doesn’t promise miracles. But it does promise a start — and that’s often where transformation begins.
If WA can harness the energy of this event, align industry and government, and keep sustainability more than a buzzword, Perth may prove that being the most isolated city in the world isn’t a handicap, but a selling point.
Visit the ECU World Tourism Day 2025 website for more information on registration, speakers, and program details.
