DESTINATIONS around Australia have always relied on events to drive business but this is now spilling over into the cruise arena as well. In 2017, P&O is leading the charge with tailor made cruise itineraries under its Main Events catalogue. Pax can attend the Australian Open in Melbourne (Jan), the...
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DESTINATIONS around Australia
have always relied on events to
drive business but this is now spilling
over into the cruise arena as well.
In 2017, P&O is leading the charge
with tailor made cruise itineraries
under its Main Events catalogue.
Pax can attend the Australian Open
in Melbourne (Jan), the Melbourne
Cup (Oct) or the State of Origin
matches (May) for example.
The cruises include tickets and
transfers to the events and also
promise themed activities and
sometimes celebrities on board.
This year for the first time, Pacific
Jewel will offer a six-day roundtrip
cruise from Sydney to Hobart so
passengers can enjoy Dark MOFO.
This will bring increased visitation
to Tas outside of peak season & will
potentially attract first time visitors.
In Mar, Pacific Eden made its
inaugural stop at Port Lincoln for
the Tunarama festival illustrating
how cruising to regional events
can also help to make a strong
economic impact on secondary
destinations. It also helps these
destinations cater for increased
visitation using the ships as floating
hotels and thus avoiding the
problem of limited accom supply.
Seasonal activities such as Australia
Day and New Year’s Eve are also
proving popular, with Crystal
Symphony cruising into Sydney on
New Year’s Eve last year.
CONTRIBUTOR: Jill Abel, CEO Australian Cruise Association
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