Western Sydney University and NSW Tourism Association partner to bolster NSW’s Visitor Economy Workforce
In a significant step toward enhancing the sustainability and growth of New South Wales’ visitor economy, Western Sydney University and the NSW Tourism Association, the peak independent body representing the state’s tourism and visitor economy, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing, which took place today at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South campus, formalises a partnership aimed at aligning education, research, and industry needs to create resilient tourism, hospitality, and events sectors.
The MoU establishes Western Sydney University as the inaugural educational member of the NSW Tourism Association, reinforcing a commitment to collaborative solutions that address workforce development, training, and research challenges across the visitor economy.
This partnership will create career pathways and professional development opportunities for Western Sydney University students and alumni, contributing to the skilled workforce NSW needs to remain competitive as a premier destination.
Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management and Master of Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management programs—offered through the School of Social Sciences—are at the heart of this initiative.
The programs feature a suite of majors and minors designed to provide comprehensive training in critical areas like festival and event management, innovation and entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, sustainability, and place making and management. This breadth of study equips graduates with a wide-ranging skill set for careers across the visitor economy.
Signing the MoU on behalf of Western Sydney University, Professor Kevin Dunn, Provost, welcomed the collaboration.
“Western looks forward to continuing our partnership with the NSW Tourism Association and building on the great work we have already achieved together,” said Professor Dunn.
“By working collectively, we can truly transform the tourism economy and its environmental and social impact and contribution.”
NSW Tourism Association CEO, Ms Natalie Godward signing the MoU with Western Sydney University Provost, Professor Kevin Dunn.
Dr Garth Lean, Lead in Tourism, Hospitality, and Events at Western Sydney University’s School of Social Sciences, highlighted the partnership’s role in driving workforce development.
“Our programs prepare students for dynamic roles within the visitor economy, providing them with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed,” said Dr Lean.
“Through this partnership, we are aligning our graduates’ expertise with the industry’s needs, paving the way for them to make a real impact in the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors across New South Wales.”
Natalie Godward, CEO of the NSW Tourism Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the MoU’s potential to support the sector’s workforce needs.
“Our collaboration with Western Sydney University will not only help fill skills shortages across the NSW tourism industry but will also drive industry innovation and sustainability,” said Ms Godward.
“By fostering these career paths, we’re ensuring a skilled and prepared workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the visitor economy.”
Benefits of the MoU Include:
- Enhanced Student Pathways: Expanding placement and internship opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and events for Western Sydney University students, aligning their study with NSW’s visitor economy needs.
- Professional Development: Fostering pathways to employment for Western Sydney University graduates and providing tertiary training pathways for employees working in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
- Collaborative Research: Engaging in research partnerships to address critical issues facing the visitor economy in NSW and Australia.
This partnership reinforces the shared commitment of Western Sydney University and the NSW Tourism Association to fostering a robust, innovative, and resilient visitor economy in NSW.
ENDS
14 November 2024
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