Cruise boom needs the facilities to cope, says TTF
Peak national industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has called for investment in port facilities to maintain Australia’s position as a world leader in cruising growth.
The 2012 Australian Cruise Industry Report reveals that Australia enjoyed an 11% increase in passenger numbers in 2012, matched only by Germany.
By comparison, North American passenger numbers grew by two per cent in 2012 and the UK remained steady.
TTF acting chief executive Trent Zimmerman said investment is needed to ensure this momentum can continue.
"Within three years, a third of all cruise ships visiting Sydney will be unable to fit under the bridge and that will rise to 56% by 2020.
"We are seeking a commitment from the federal government to increase cruise ship access to Garden Island to more than the three visits per year currently allowed," Zimmerman said.
The 2012 Australian Cruise Industry Report also shows that the local industry now has the second highest population penetration rate in the world, with the equivalent of three per cent of Australians taking a cruise last year.
Only the long-established North American cruise market had a higher penetration rate at 3.3 per cent.
Ian Jarrett
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