'Change that perception': Bankstown council launches tourism campaign

A group of Western Sydney councils have begun advertising to tourists in a bid to get more visitors into the area.

Caterbury-Bankstown is joining the campaign along with Parramatta and Liverpool Councils, selling themselves as destinations rather than drive-through suburbs.

A video advertisement shows people kayaking on the Georges River, enjoying nature walks and eating cultural food.

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"We have an amazing city doesn't get recognised as much as it should be change that perception," Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said.

"We don't ask people to travel world come to Canterbury-Bankstown because we have the world here."

The council is in talks with Destination NSW to take the campaign even further.

Western Sydney Dialogue founder Christopher Brown says it's a step in the right direction.

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"In less than two years time there will be a new airport in Western Sydney, it's the right thing for councils to be doing.. putting their best foot forward," Brown said.

The city's biggest and best-known attraction is food, with the Ramadan Night Markets already attracting over 1 million visitors every year.

A Lebanese bakery based in Bankstown, Knafeh & Co has also gained national recognition for their gluten-free Knafeh dessert.

"We have people ordering from Melbourne, Queensland," Jinan Baroudi from Knafeh & Co said.

Locals say there need's to be better parking and building upgrades to accommodate more visitors to the area.