Region. Tourism events in the west

Parramatta and Penrith are leading the way in developing tourism promotions and attractions for their region, while Blue Mountains City Council has tourism as a central plank in their economy, according to Clr Alison McLaren, when commenting on Premier Barry O’Farrell’s statement to talk to Western Sydney councils about staging more tourism events in the region. “The move will bring major benefits to the region by boosting employment and investment opportunities and at the same time would open the doors to local, interstate and international visitors who may not previously have been aware of what the region has to offer,” she said. Deputy Mayor, Jim Aitken, of Penrith City Council, said the city was primed and ready to take on and host some of NSW’s major events and festivals.

Parramatta. An eventful city

2010 is shaping up as possible the most eventful year in Parramatta’s 222-year history as far as community events are concerned, boosting the city’s image and tourism revenue. Parramatta City Council expects some 80,000 people to attend the Indian superstar A.R. Rahman’s outdoor “spectacular” on Saturday, as part of the Sydney Festival activities in the city, followed by the highly popular Australia Day activities, on January 26, the Sydney Symphony in Parramatta Park, in March, and the inaugural Parramasala – The Australian Festival of South Asian Arts week-long event, in November. Council says the gross revenue generated by businesses and organisations in Parramatta to service demand generated by tourists to the area is estimated at $830 million, with the city’s hospitality sector contributing $138 million. Council, in its push to promote tourism is expected, soon, to launch its Destination Parramatta website.

Parramatta. Events boost city and tourism

Parramatta City Council places great store in events helping to raise the profile of the city while contributing tourists’ dollars into the local economy. On October 11, Deepavali Fair, the Indian Festival of Lights will be held at the Parramatta Stadium for the first time. Last year it attracted 20,000 to Sydney Olympic Park; 25,000 are expected. The Loy Krathong Thai water festival will be held on October 31, as part of the Riverbeats 2009 event. 2009 Supercross Australasian Championships will be held at the stadium on November 11. Over 15,000 people attended the event last year and promoters expect attendance of 18,500 this year. The event is expected to contribute $1.3 million to the economy. The gross revenue generated by businesses and organisations in Parramatta to service demand generated by tourists to the area is estimated at $830 million, with the city’s hospitality sector contributing $138 million. Council will soon establish a dedicated website to showcase its attractions and boost visitation