The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce has hosted an Aviation Forum in collaboration with Wollondilly Business Chamber and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The event spotlighted opportunities for the region’s visitor economy in the lead-up to the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

Held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on 30 May 2025, the forum attracted visitor economy stakeholders, government representatives and aviation leaders.

The forum aligned with the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy review recommendations, with Western Sydney and its new international airport playing an important role in achieving its revised target of $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035.

The $8 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, delivered by Destination NSW, will incentivise international airlines to fly new routes into the airport when it opens in late 2026.

The funding will be matched by WSI, representing a combined fund value of $16 million to boost airline capacity. The funding package is forecast to deliver more than 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million of visitor expenditure.

Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad said: “With the opening of Western Sydney International just a year away, it’s never been more important for our industry to unite.

“The Tourism Taskforce is working tirelessly to advocate for and showcase the strength of our visitor economy—creating platforms like the Western Sydney Tourism Awards, returning on 5 September to celebrate the talent and excellence driving our region forward. Because it is this industry, right here, that will craft the experiences inspiring people to spend, stay, and explore Western Sydney.

“The world needs to discover what Western Sydney truly offers as a destination for the ultimate traveller.”

The Aviation Forum included a panel discussion on assistance and programs available to visitor economy stakeholders, together with an update on airlines preparing to fly into the new airport and a progress report on construction of the terminal building.

Among the panellists were Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones, Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger, Qantas Head of Strategic Projects David Donohue, Australia and Beyond Holidays Managing Partner Simon Bernardi and Western Sydney Airport General Manager Strategy Gavin Harris.

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: "The success of Western Sydney International will be a shared achievement between all levels of government and the diverse visitor economy ecosystem – and Destination NSW is committed to working closely with all partners here today to ensure we make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity."