From Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, Hobart is set to welcome passengers from the Pacific Jewel, the Maasdam and the Majestic Princess docking at Macquarie Wharf.
The arrival of these ships is great news for businesses and tourism operators in southern Tasmanian.
Tourism is one of our State’s great competitive advantages and the arrival of these three cruise ships over the festival period shows that Tasmania is open for business, ready to welcome visitors, and indicates our strategy to grow cruise ship visitation is working.
It is estimated that the arrival of these ships will inject approximately $1 million into the local economy.
Cruise ships are a significant contributor to our economy. Last year, passengers and crew spent $34.5 million with the state’s tourism operators, retailers and hospitality sector.
The Government understands we need to get balance right, to ensure we are able to meet the needs of our visitors, without detracting from the things that make Tasmania such a desirable place to live and visit.
That’s why we are working with cruise operators to increase the number of Tasmanian ports included on cruise line itineraries, looking at how to attract more boutique international vessels with quality niche tours that get visitors out to our regions, and considering innovative ways to increase the amount of specialty Tasmanian products on board cruise ships.
We welcome visitors to Tasmania and I am are sure they will enjoy their stay this festive season.