A STUDY into the contribution of cruising to the Australian economy has found the sector made an overall economic output of $3.2 billion last year.
The independent report was undertaken by Business Research & Economic Advisors, commissioned by CLIA Australasia using a global methodology for economic impact statements.
It found the direct expenditure by passengers, crew and cruise operators made up $1.72 billion, with the rest coming indirectly or from induced economic output.
Cruise passengers spent $371 a day in Australian ports during their cruise, with the spend level even higher prior to embarkation.
Foreign passengers part with an average of $756 per day prior to boarding their ship, spending on pre-cruise accom, shopping, dining and transport, with that level falling to $204 per day in ports on shopping and excursions.
Aussies are similarly extravagant, spending $450 per day prior to sailing and $156 in port during the voyage itself.
CLIA Australasia chairman Gavin Smith said the report’s results were “a valuable snapshot which should demonstrate to governments and businesses around the country the enormous value that every cruise ship brings to their local economy”.
Broken down by segment, the study revealed that 30% of the expenditure by cruise lines was on fuel ($963m), with $143m on F&B, $121m on agent commission and $97.5m on port charges.
By state, NSW was the dominant piece of the national cruise pie, accounting for 75% of spending, followed by Queensland at 15% and Victoria on 5%.
Daily spend by passengers was highest in Sydney, Melbourne & Fremantle ($762, $669 and $612).
