World Tourism Day presents a strategic opportunity for WA to take a leading role in the global conversation on tourism. Image credit bennymarty, iStock. Location: Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park.
With keynote speakers and expert panellists from across the Western Australian tourism landscape ECU World Tourism Day 2025 aims to lead the global tourism conversation.
Hosted by the School of Business and Law from Edith Cowan University (ECU), in partnership with Tourism WA, Crown Perth, and alongside Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA, the forum is dedicated to shaping a sustainable and inclusive tourism future.
Professor Maryam Omari, Executive Dean, School of Business and Law at ECU said World Tourism Day presents a strategic opportunity for WA to take a leading role in the global conversation on tourism.
"Tourism is a vital part of WA's future, not only as an economic driver but as a way to promote biodiversity, honour Australia's rich Indigenous and cultural heritage, and support local businesses and communities," Professor Omari said.
"But as the sector grows, so do the pressures, from workforce shortages and sustainability concerns to increasing community expectations," she said.
"These challenges are complex, but they're also shared. That's where events like this can make a real difference by creating a platform for action.
"This forum is about building momentum around real, practical solutions. It's a chance to come together, share knowledge, and create stronger alignment across government, industry, and education.
"Ultimately, we all want to see a tourism industry that reflects the best of who we are: smart, sustainable, and inclusive of all voices."
The inaugural event will be held at Crown Perth on 24 September and is sponsored by Destination Perth, Australian Hotels Association (WA), and the Western Australia Agritourism Association.
Aligned with the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day 2025 theme: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, this half-day forum will convene influential voices from government, industry, and academia to explore a shared vision for tourism in WA.
Keynote speakers:
- Caitlin Collins MLA, Member for Hillarys, Minister for Tourism representative
- Di Bain, Chair and Commissioner of Tourism Western Australia
- Brian Pereira, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Perth
- Angela Beechey, Chair of Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA (WiTH WA)
Angela Beechey will conduct a fireside chat with prominent WiTH WA members:
- Jai McNaughton, WiTH WA
- Lisa Spencer, Australia's South West
- Julia Tolj, WAITOC
Panellists:
- Bradley Woods, Australian Hotel Association (WA)
- Sonja Mitchell, Destination Perth
- Andy Burns, Western Australia Agritourism Association (WAAA)
- Dr Joanna Pearce, ECU School of Business and Law
The forum is featured on the UN Tourism website, a testament to the significance of this tourism industry initiative. For more information about the event, speakers and registration, visit the ECU World Tourism Day 2025 website.
