FANTASEA CRUISING TO A NEW LEVEL

Tourism Minister Margaret Keech has launched the newest addition to the Whitsundays’ cruising fleet, the Ammari.

Mrs Keech said Fantasea Adventure Cruising’s newest vessel was a perfect example of the vibrancy of Queensland’s ever-growing cruise industry.

“In the past five years, cruise shipping has surged by more than 600 per cent, producing enormous economic gains for Queensland,” Mrs Keech said at the official launch, off Hamilton Island yesterday.

“The introduction of a new leisure cruise ship opens the Great Barrier Reef and stunning Whitsunday islands up to more visitors, creating opportunities for these destinations to grow even further.”

Mrs Keech said the Australian-owned and operated boutique adventure cruise ship offered a unique experience for over 60 passengers.

“The Ammari cruises through the Whitsundays, stops at wonderful attractions such as Hamilton and Daydream islands and provides visitors with tremendous facilities including a restaurant, bars, gymnasium, hair dressing salon, beauty spa and a swimming pool,” she said.

“This ship is a great asset to our industry.”

Mrs Keech said the Ammari’s addition would increase visitor expenditure in the boating and leisure cruise industry, create jobs and encourage further investment.

“To Queensland and throughout the world, the cruise industry is regarded as hugely significant, and is one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the state,” she said.

“Here in our state the industry is worth more than $107 million a year.

“Continued investment in the industry will ensure Queensland further develops itself as an international cruise shipping destination.”

Mrs Keech said Queensland had the potential to lead the way in new and evolving cruise shipping infrastructure.

“The establishment of new national cruise shipping itineraries and the growing maturity of the Queensland cruise industry will ensure strong Queensland destination messages are continued to be promoted to the world,” she said.

“The launch of the Ammari highlights the Queensland tourism industry’s ongoing ability to deliver world class products.

Media Contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005