Winter Sports World announces major operators
Renowned attractions company Hammons Holdings has been selected as preferred operator to run and manage the snow attractions at Australia’s first indoor snow resort.
Respected hospitality operator Trippas White Group has been chosen to run the food and beverage offerings.
Winter Sports World managing director Peter Magnisalis will announce the selections during a presentation at the NSW Major Projects Conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney) today [August 22].
Currently the largest private tourism construction project in Australia, Winter Sports World will put Penrith on the global map and accelerate tourism for Western Sydney and New South Wales like never before.
"To ensure that happens, we need to place this project in the best hands in the world,” Mr Magnisalis said.
“After a global search, we have discovered the best tourism attractions and food and beverage operators in the world right here in NSW, and I am confident that Hammons Holdings and Trippas White Group will help drive the success we expect this project to achieve.’’
Hammons Holdings CEO David Hammon said: “Winter Sports World is an exciting one-of-a-kind drawcard for tourism in Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and more widely, Australia, and will be pivotal to growing the local and NSW tourism economy over the coming decades.
“Hammons Holdings has been in the business of creating lifelong memories for millions of visitors from all over the world for almost 80 years.
“We’re thrilled to have been selected as preferred operator to run and manage the snow attractions at Winter Sports World and look forward to doing what we do best - delivering world-class fun and exceptional experiences.”
Trippas White Group CEO Kevin Zajax said: “Our experience managing some of Australia’s most iconic venues has equipped us to deliver unparalleled experiences that cater to locals, domestic and international visitors.
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with WSW and bring this expertise to Western Sydney – not only creating hundreds of jobs for the hospitality sector, driving tourism to the region as well as being able to celebrate some great local products and offers.”
Dubbed “the giant Esky”, the $500M+ Winter Sports World project will inject an additional $222 million annually into the local economy, contributing $2.5 billion in economic growth over the next decade.
Winter Sports World was granted State Significant Development Application approval on January 11, 2024.
It is now undergoing a phase of detailed design and engineering development to prepare for construction, which is on track to begin in 2025.
Winter Sports World is expected to open in 2028.
ABOUT HAMMONS HOLDINGS
Hammons Holdings is a third-generation family business with almost 80 years’ experience managing internationally recognised tourist attractions. Hammons Holdings has owned and operated Scenic World since it was established in 1945 and has operated BridgeClimb since 2018.
Scenic World is located in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains in Sydney and welcomes over 1 million guests a year. Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway; the first cable car in Australia, the Scenic Skyway; and the longest elevated rainforest boardwalk in Australia. Among its accolades, Scenic World is recognised in Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame for being certified an Advanced Tourism attraction for 20 years and is certified carbon neutral for its services as a tourist attraction. Scenic World is also among Australia’s most visited privately owned tourism attraction and is one of the largest employers in the Blue Mountains. Details: scenicworld.com.au
BridgeClimb is an iconic Australian experience that allows adventurers to climb the world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge. Since its inception in 1998, BridgeClimb has welcomed millions of climbers from around the globe, providing an unparalleled view of Sydney’s breathtaking skyline and harbour. BridgeClimb’s expert Climb Leaders guide participants on a journey that combines thrilling heights with rich history, offering unique insights into the bridge's construction, architecture, and cultural significance. Committed to safety, sustainability, and community engagement, BridgeClimb Sydney continues to create unforgettable memories and connect people with the vibrant heart of Sydney. Details: bridgeclimb.com
ABOUT TRIPPAS WHITE GROUP
Established in 1990, Trippas White Group (TWG) stands as a distinctive force in Australia’s hospitality landscape. As a wholly Australian-owned enterprise, TWG oversees a diverse portfolio comprising more than 150 venues nationwide. The scope of TWG's management encompasses restaurants, bars, cafes, and event spaces situated within some of Australia's most culturally significant landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, Taronga Zoo, Queen Victoria Building, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Centennial Parklands, Australian War Memorial, and National Gallery of Australia.
With a mantra to "Be the Experience", Trippas White Group is driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. The company boasts over 20 million meals served annually across its extensive network of venues and organises more than 20,000 functions each year. This remarkable achievement is made possible by a team of 3000 dedicated employees who contribute to the meticulous crafting of events, ensuring that each guest experiences unforgettable moments.