Destination Penrith in focus

Last week, Council brought together key players in the tourism industry to strengthen stakeholder relationships and to focus our collaborative efforts towards a more positive 12 months ahead.

The event was attended by a host of local tourism businesses along with key representatives from Destination NSW, Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Penrith CBD Corporation, and Penrith City Council.

Penrith City Council General Manager Warwick Winn opened the event, outlining several initiatives that Council is undertaking to revitalise Penrith's CBD and natural assets to maximise the regions appeal as a visitor destination.

This included major projects Council has underway, such as the $24 million redevelopment of Regatta Park, funded by Council and the Australian and NSW Governments, and the $10 million upgrade of Tench Reserve, funded by the NSW Government through the Parks for People program.

The revitalisation of the much-loved Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre with a new café, and Council transformation of the historical Police Cottage into a riverside café and dining destination on our popular Nepean River loop walk.

Mr Winn also mentioned Council’s endorsed Events Strategy that’s being rolled out, and Council's ten-year development program to build and enhance our already popular Real Festival event, with Mr Winn expressing his excitement that the event will return in 2022 after needing to be postponed this year due to COVID-19.

“The feeling I’m getting in Penrith right now is that people are feeling optimistic about the future,” said Mr Winn.

The sentiment was shared by other event speakers, including Destination NSW’s Regional Tourism Development Manager Tenille Jenkins. Ms Jenkins spoke to the immense opportunities for growth in Penrith’s visitor economy, including new product development, cooperative marketing, and taking advantage of funding opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the Penrith Valley Chamber, Richard Fox announced the creation of a Destination Penrith Tourism and Visitor Economy Taskforce. The taskforce will include representatives from Council, Destination NSW, Penrith Valley Chamber and members of the Penrith tourism industry. The taskforce aims to boost tourism and the broader visitor economy by strengthening the links between stakeholders.

Expressions of interest are now open for the five tourism industry representatives’ places on the Taskforce. For more information visit the Penrith Valley Chamber website.

Image: Richard Fox, Executive Member, Penrith Valley Chamber, Tenille Jenkins, Regional Tourism Development Manager – Sydney Surrounds North, Destination NSW, Warwick Winn, General Manager, Penrith City Council and Rebekah Elliott, Acting City Economy and Marketing Manager.