Ready for take-off, Destination Penrith is primed for growth

Penrith’s visitor economy is primed for growth as the country reopens and the opening of the Western Sydney International airport draws closer.

This was the focus of the Destination Penrith Forum held last week at Sydney International Regatta Centre.

The second of Penrith Valley Chamber’s Lights on Penrith event series, the Forum heard from a range of stakeholders involved in the Penrith visitor economy.

Speaking at the event, Kylie Powell, Director of City Futures at Penrith City Council, acknowledged the challenges of the last two years, but also pointed to the potential for growth.

“We have an exceptional diversity of venues, tourist attractions, unique dining options and open spaces.”

“Our goal is to increase visitation to Penrith by 15% by the end of 2024 and, with our excellent diversity of offering, we're building on a solid base.”

Penrith City attracted 1.4 million visitors in 2019, reflecting 8% growth in visitation since 2015. In that year, the industry contributed $418 million to the Penrith economy.

Other speakers at the event included Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Tourism and Member for Penrith, Glenn Caldwell, General Manager, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, as well as several business owners involved in the Penrith visitor economy.

Michael Noone, Director of Q Agency, spoke as a passionate local business owner who can see the bright future ahead for Penrith.

“Penrith is a linchpin city for the future success of Western Sydney,” said Mr Noone.

“We have four years to get our products absolutely right, test, collaborate and grow. We have even less time to start working together to create export ready packages for the whole world to experience.”

Despite the pandemic’s effect on visitation in recent years, investors continue to see Penrith as a growth market with significant investments to boost the hospitality and accommodation offerings in the city.

Among the new product offerings are no less than 10 new food and beverage operators, including major international brands such as Five Guys and new investments from successful local entrepreneurs. The development application has also been approved for a Hilton Hotel within The Quarter, and construction is nearing completion on the multi-million dollar Log Cabin Hotel at the banks of the Nepean River.

Penrith’s capacity to host large-scale events will be bolstered with the $24 million redevelopment of Regatta Park well underway, and plans progressing for the significant upgrade of Tench Reserve. Penrith Stadium has been earmarked for redevelopment by the NSW Government, expected to commence in 2023.

Image: Jetpack Adventures is one of Penrith’s unique tourist attractions