CRUISE drives tourism In previous columns we have noted with excitement all the cruise firsts as ships arrived back into our ports. Another milestone was celebrated yesterday when P&O Australia’s flagship Pacific Explorer arrived into my hometown, Hobart. Celebrity Cruises also returned to Australia last weekend with Celebrity Eclipse on...
CRUISE drives tourism
In previous columns we have noted with excitement all the cruise firsts as ships arrived back into our ports.
Another milestone was celebrated yesterday when P&O Australia’s flagship Pacific Explorer arrived into my hometown, Hobart.
Celebrity Cruises also returned to Australia last weekend with Celebrity Eclipse on her inaugural voyage to our region with which will also include Hobart.
We look forward to the return of many of these cruise lines which have called previously but are also preparing to welcome some newcomers to the industry in 2023/24 like Virgin Voyages, Seabourn Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line — all of which have indicated an interest in putting Tasmania on their itineraries.
As you can imagine the return of cruise to Tasmania is great news for a state that relies heavily on a tourism economy.
It’s also important to note that many of the ships visiting the beautiful deepwater port in Hobart this season will overnight, allowing for dispersal of passengers beyond the gateway cities and further afield into regional areas to experience the state’s wonderful culinary offerings, amazing landscapes, wildlife experiences and historic sites.
These cruise visits around the country are tangible evidence of the statement made recently by Tourism Australia: cruise will play a vital role in helping to re-start the country’s tourism industry.
