THE Australian cruise industry
has experienced its thirteenth
consecutive year of double digit
growth, according to the latest
industry figures released by CLIA
Australasia.
Carnival Australia executive
chairman Ann Sherry said the
data highlights the growing
maturity of the Australian market.
“We often refer to the multiplier
effect of cruise tourism and now
see more evidence of its national
momentum as more ports and
regional destinations become
cruise hubs in their own right,”
Sherry said.
“The benefits of cruising are
no longer limited to one or two
major cities.”
Sherry used the opportunity
to push for investment in port
facilities, particularly in Sydney,
with Carnival Australia continuing
to seek the certainty of long term
access to berths east of Sydney
Harbour Bridge.
The report also revealed the
number of Aussies taking an
ocean cruise in Asia has more
than doubled in the last two
years, increasing by 71%.
Hong Kong Tourism Board
regional director Australia, Andre
Clark said the jump in passengers
to Asia is extremely positive.
“The cruise segment is a huge
opportunity for Hong Kong and
we will continue to maintain a
focus on bolstering this market
through our trade and marketing
channels,” Clark said.
