MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISTS TO CRUISE INTO QUEENSLAND

One of the world’s biggest cruise operators is sailing into Queensland for an extended stay, pumping millions into the economy, Tourism Minister Margaret Keech announced today.

Asia Pacific’s leading cruise line, Star Cruises, would tour the Queensland coast during a two-month visit, generating about $7 million for the state, she said.

The visits would take in destinations including Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and the Whitsundays.

“This fantastic commitment is a direct result of Queensland being represented at the recent Seatrade Cruise Ship Expo in Miami,” Mrs Keech said.

“Cruise shipping generates more than $51.6 million for the Queensland economy each year and the Beattie Government is dedicated to growing the benefits from cruise tourism.

“The ‘Superstar Gemini’ will have three separate visits to Queensland waters including an eight night itinerary from Brisbane to Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland.

“The cruise liner accommodates more than 800 passengers and it is estimated that each time she berths in Queensland it will generate more than $500,000 in direct economic returns for the port.

“The economic benefits of a visit such as this will also be felt right across the tourism industry, from restaurants to tour operators.”

Mrs Keech said under the Queensland Tourism Strategy (QTS) the Beattie Government had committed to driving new tourism investment and infrastructure in the State.

“The recent partnership between the Government and Multiplex to develop the Brisbane Cruise Terminal at the $750m Portside Wharf development has helped to sway international cruise operators to visit Brisbane and Queensland,” Mrs Keech said.

“This important piece of new infrastructure was also recently awarded the Dream World Cruise Destinations’ 2006 Award for ‘Most Improved Port Facilities’ at the recent Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami.”

Multiplex Developments Australia Director Shane Bulloch said the strong partnership between Portside Wharf, Tourism Queensland and industry was ensuring cruise visitors to Queensland had the best possible facilities supported by the highest level of service.

“The development of Portside Wharf has created a state-of-the-art, modern cruise terminal facility that is considered to be among the best in the world,” he said.

“The surrounding Portside Wharf precinct is also fast becoming one of Queensland’s premier destinations for locals and visitors alike, boasting some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes, fresh food markets, cinemas, chic boutiques and a premium function centre.

"The Cruise Queensland partnership is helping to ensure we maximise the use of these new world-class port facilities.

“That partnership is also helping sell Cruise Queensland to the world through a specially developed ‘Product Manual’ featuring a range of national and international Queensland itineraries.

“Cruise Queensland’s presence at the Miami Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention helped to secure more than 45 qualified leads, representing a potential multi-million dollar return for Queensland’s tourism industry.”

Media contact:

Minister’s Office: 3225 1005