Huge boost to Hunter cruise industry
The Hunter cruise industry is rapidly expanding with more ships and visitors staying longer in the regionMinister for the Hunter and Tourism, Jodi McKay, and Ports and Waterways Minister, Joe Tripodi, welcomed the findings of the Cruise Down Under study into the economic impact of the cruise industry in Australia which showed $2.3 million in benefits for the Hunter Region in 2007-08.
"The Hunter saw five times more passengers in 2007-08 than 2006-07," said McKay.
"This is largely due to the port of Newcastle improving its ability to handle bigger cruise ships," she said.
Tripodi said Newcastle Port Corporation and Cruise Hunter were working with the cruise industry to attract more ships to the Hunter Region.
"Enhancing the appeal of Newcastle and the Hunter Region as an international cruise destination is a major objective for Cruise Hunter and a number of strategies are being progressed," said Tripodi.
McKay said the study revealed the cruise shipping industry contributed $324 million to the economy in 2007-08.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the region to be showcased to the world," said McKay.
"The highlight of this year's cruise season will be a visit in January by the 297 metre long Millennium expected to bring over 2000 passengers to the Hunter."
Cruise Down Under, the co-operative marketing body for the Australian/Pacific cruise ship industry, commissioned AEC Group to conduct the economic impact study of the cruise ship industry in Australia for 2007-08.
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