Super cruiser Ovation of the Seas docks in Brisbane

Published Wednesday, 22 February, 2017 at 02:10 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s cruise ship destination of choice received a major boost today, with the maiden visit of the largest cruise ship to ever visit the state.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business Leanne Enoch said the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas was a high water mark for cruising in the state.

“This is a bumper week for cruising in Brisbane with our city laying out the welcome mat for more than 12,000 visitors arriving on five different cruise ships,” Ms Enoch said.

“Today we have two cruise ships in the Port in Brisbane – the Ovation of the Seas and P&O’s Arcadia.

“Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world, spanning the length of three football fields, with 18 decks and can accommodate 4905 guests and 1500 crew.

“I am delighted to welcome everyone to Brisbane, the gateway to all that South East Queensland has to offer.”

Ms Enoch said the cruise industry was a major player in the state’s booming $23 billion tourism industry and would boost the local business sector.

“We’ve seen double digit growth in the number of cruise ships calling to Queensland destinations over the past eight years,” she said.

“In 2015-16 a record 329 cruise ships visited Queensland – more than any other Australian state.

“We want to see this number grow because the cruise industry creates jobs, supports local businesses and sustains our regional communities.

“And, of course, this influx of tourists presents a fantastic opportunity for many of the state’s 406,000 small businesses as visitors seek to sample a truly authentic Queensland experience.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Brisbane was now the second largest cruise port in Australia after Sydney.

“The cruise industry delivers a welcome economic boost to our state, with cruise passengers spending $265.6 million in Queensland in 2015-16,” Ms Jones said.

“The cruise sector already supports more than 2700 jobs in Queensland and the state is well placed to expand its position in the Oceania cruise marketplace.

“We are sure to see more super cruisers in the future and both Port of Brisbane and Ports North in Cairns are moving to take advantage of this exciting trend.

“Our Government is continuing to work with the Port of Brisbane as it finalises submission of its detailed proposal for the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, at Luggage Point.

“This planned project will certainly enable Queensland to capitalise on the growing mega cruise ship industry as it means mega liners like the Ovation of the Seas will be able to visit Brisbane regularly.

“The Port of Cairns upgrade will also see mega cruise ships arriving to experience Tropical North Queensland and its unique tourism experiences.”

Media contact: Tourism Minister’s office – 0437 069 516