Data reveals extent of Queensland’s booming cruise sector

New data released today shows Queensland has experienced a 70 per cent increase in the number of cruise ship visits under the Palaszczuk Government.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the state’s cruise ship industry was worth $1.1 billion to Queensland’s economy.

“This industry now supports 4330 jobs in Queensland and we’re working hard to grow that number by negotiating with cruise companies to secure more bookings at our ports,” she said.

“Cruise shipping is a growth market for tourism – that’s why we’ve made a commitment to grow this sector through our $48 million Attracting Tourism Fund announced during the election.

“This fund is all about partnering with tourism operators along with cruise companies and airlines to improve access to our key destinations and show more people what Queensland has to offer.”

Today’s data shows:

• 275 cruise ship visits in 2014-15
• 329 cruise ship visits in 2015-16
• 468 cruise ship visits in 2016-17

“More cruise ships ported in Queensland last year than any other state. We’re dominating this sector,” Ms Jones said.

“What’s promising is we’re seeing stronger investment than ever before in our cruise infrastructure.

“Site preparation work for the $158 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at Luggage Point on the north side of the Brisbane River began in November.

“Meanwhile, our upgrade of the port in Cairns is set to deliver up to 100 extra cruise ships every year once it’s complete – that’s an $850 million boost to Tropical North Queensland Tourism.

“This will potentially result in a tripling of the number of passenger days spent in Cairns each year due to cruise ship tourism – an increase of 225,000 passenger days each year by 2031.”

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government had proven that by working with cruise operators, the government could help to expose new regions to cruise tourism.

“In June, we also saw the first ever cruise ship port in Bundaberg – the 338-foot luxury cruise ship ‘Silver Discoverer made history with its 15-day Port Vila to Cairns cruise.”

ENDS

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