SENIOR leaders in the New South Wales cruise sector are hopeful the state’s leaders have not lost sight of the impact the industry makes.
Yesterday’s NSW Visitor Economy Strategy review trumpeted millions of extra airline seats, tens of thousands of hotel rooms, and a focus on “experience-led tourism”, but made no mention of cruise.
The initial Strategy was handed down as NSW aims to “transform” its visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse; however, the cruise industry is not panicking about its omission.
Australian Cruise Association Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel anticipated the release of a finalised, fuller master plan, which would see its consultation work with governmental tourism stakeholders bare fruit.
“ACA has been involved in the consulting process which will inform the final strategy,” she said.
“We look forward to seeing the NSW Visitor Strategy when it is completed…we applaud the commitment by Destination NSW to cruise tourism, and look forward to continuing our work with them to nurture the cruise sector in the state.”
NSW Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Natalie Godward, who recently concluded a five-year tenure with the ACA herself, admitted her surprise the cruise sector received no mention yesterday.
Godward was broadly supportive of the Strategy, but was surprised at cruise’s exclusion.
“I was surprised to see it omitted, because they took such effort and time to look at all facets of the industry and speak to stakeholders and get involved,” she told travelBulletin.
“Cruise disperses high volumes of visitors to areas across NSW they may not have otherwise gone to.
“We know in regional ports, return visitation is really high after they’ve been there for the first time.”
NSW is coming under increasing pressure from other states around Australia to reinforce its cruise industry, with South Australia recently announcing the formation of a ‘cruise attraction working group’.
Western Australia also has its own cruise strategy, as the state also endeavours to expand border services at the Port of Broome.
NSW also recently delayed its shore power project at White Bay by two years.
