| Eden Welcome Centre opens

THE Eden Welcome Centre (inset right), located by the New South Wales town’s Cruise Wharf, officially opened on Fri, a moment the Port Authority of NSW called “the beginning of a new era for tourism in Eden and the Sapphire Coast”.

The two-storey building is the new home of the Eden Visitor Information Centre, and will showcase the region’s attractions, promote local businesses and offer local arts, crafts and produce to the town’s tourists.

The approximately 1,000m2 Eden Welcome Centre was officially opened by the New South Wales Minister for Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance, and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres.

The ground floor will be for visitors, market stall-holders and amenities, and the first floor will be used for office space.

Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz, who was on hand for the opening, told Cruise Weekly his organisation was continuing to engage with the Government of NSW on a carefully managed resumption of local cruising, and was encouraged by the presence of two senior NSW Ministers at the opening of the new infrastructure, as well as their comments that they are keen to see ships back as soon as they possibly can in the state.

Port Authority of NSW Chief Executive Officer Philip Holliday said Eden is an increasingly popular cruise destination, and gives cruise ships travelling between Sydney and Melbourne the perfect gateway to the Sapphire Coast.

“Together with the Eden Cruise Wharf, the Eden Welcome Centre strengthens the region’s place on the Australian cruise map and will further help bring the economic benefits of cruise tourism to its shores,” he said.

More than 100,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit the region each year.

Pictured, Constance and Ayres cut the ribbon on the Eden Welcome Centre, and inset left, Katz and Australian Cruise Association Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel at the opening.