A new milestone in China-Australia tourism collaboration has been set with the signing of a strategic partnership between Winter Sports World and Bonski, one of China’s leading indoor snow sports operators, owned by Sunac China Holdings Limited (融创中国控股有限公司).
The agreement, signed on 4 December in Guangzhou, signals a significant step forward for the landmark Winter Sports World development in Western Sydney. The signing was witnessed by New South Wales’ industry and trade minister Anoulack Chanthivong, underscoring its significance for the state’s tourism and investment agenda.
A landmark A$700m project for Western Sydney
Winter Sports World is positioned to become Australia’s first indoor ski destination, a year-round snow resort designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.
With an estimated A$700m ($465m) investment, the project will feature an indoor ski slope, a 200-room hotel, the largest indoor snow play park in the Southern Hemisphere, themed dining, and landscape design inspired by Australian nature and cultural heritage.
Located near the Western Sydney International Airport, which is due to open next year, and roughly one hour from Sydney’s central business district, the development is strategically placed to benefit from the region’s expanding aviation network and growing population. Winter Sports World aims to anchor Western Sydney as a new tourism and leisure hub for Australia.
Chinese expertise enters the Australian indoor snow market
Bonski brings extensive experience in indoor skiing operations, from technical integration to customer service, design consulting and large-scale venue management. The company has been instrumental in developing and operating several flagship indoor snow and ice destinations across China.
Under the partnership, Bonski will provide layout optimisation, design review, pre-opening support and full operational consulting, ensuring the Western Sydney project meets international standards in snow sports entertainment.
Winter Sports World’s managing director Peter Magnisalis highlighted the collaboration as “a milestone that reflects both the ambition of the project and international confidence in Western Sydney as a rising investment and tourism destination”, adding that the partnership signals the region’s readiness to welcome globally competitive attractions.
Sustainability and year-round tourism strategy
The project aims to set a benchmark for sustainable indoor snow operations, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible technologies. Its diversified offer – combining professional sports, family entertainment, leisure, and hospitality – positions it not just as a ski slope but also as a year-round tourism destination capable of driving regional visitation.
Bonski’ president Lu Peng said Australia is “one of the most promising markets for indoor snow experiences”, and that the company intends to bring its expertise in planning, brand-building and operational systems to support Winter Sports World in developing “a widely loved snow sports destination”.
A new chapter for China-Australia cultural and tourism cooperation
With development approvals in place, Winter Sports World is now entering a critical implementation phase. The partnership marks one of the most substantial examples of Chinese tourism expertise supporting the development of a major attraction overseas.
As Western Sydney positions itself for rapid growth, the collaboration highlights a broader trend: Chinese cultural and entertainment operators are increasingly becoming global partners, shaping new visitor economies beyond China’s borders.
Huaiyuan (Robert) Ren is blooloop's Asia editor, responsible for editorial coverage across Asia and for strengthening relationships with partners and clients in the region. Trained in art history, museum studies and business administration, he has worked extensively in exhibition-making, collections research, and cultural programming. He also serves as the Student and Emerging Professionals Trustee for ICOM UK, supporting the visibility and engagement of new voices within the cultural and museum sector.
