Ambitious plans for 100 ship visits churning $200 million by 2020

AN ambitious plan for 100 cruise ship visits worth $200 million to the state economy by 2020 is being released by the State Government today.

ONE hundred cruise ships visits contributing $200 million to the state economy by 2020 – that’s the ambitious goal of the State Government’s new South Australian Cruise Ship Strategy 2020 released today.

It would build on what has been an upward trajectory of cruise ship visits in the booming industry in recent years, rising from just nine ship visits in 2007-08 to 65 in 2017-18 and an expected 85 in 2018-19.

Tourism Minister David Ridgway said the strategy provides a blueprint for South Australia to continue to grow the sector and maximise tourism, economic and job opportunities.

“The South Australian Tourism Commission has developed this strategy with the ambitious goal of 100 cruise ship visits to South Australian ports and anchorages contributing $200 million to the state economy by 2020.

“South Australia has been successful in growing the cruise sector with record numbers year on year, and we want to continue this momentum – attracting the most luxurious and largest cruise ships in Australian waters and more visitors to our state.”

SATC chief executive Rodney Harrex said there had been strong growth in cruise ship visits to Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Kangaroo Island, spreading the benefits to regional areas with short day excursions.

“In the past decade, South Australia has seen significant growth from the cruise sector,” he said. “In the 2017-18 season SA welcomed 150,680 passengers and crew.

“The SATC will continue to build on the sector’s record-breaking success by working with key industry stakeholders to attract more cruise lines, ensure quality service is delivered in current and new cruise destinations, encourage investment in infrastructure, maximise expenditure and increase regional dispersal.” Phil Hoffmann Travel managing director, Phil Hoffmann said a target of 100 ship visitations to South Australia in 2020 would have a significant impact on the tourism industry and local economy.

“Employment will be stimulated both in Adelaide and in regional areas such as Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln with the introduction of their new itineraries,” he said.

“Local retailers and operators will see flow-on benefits too with passenger spend per day adding tangible economic benefits.

“With more home porting out of Adelaide this could also stimulate pre and post stays for domestic and interstate passengers embarking or disembarking these cruises.

“I remain confident that the cruise industry growth in South Australia can be sustained in the coming years and that with the right framework and infrastructures in place it will continue to thrive and delivers sustainable economic growth for years to come.”

The 2016-17 cruise season injected $98.5 million into the state’s economy, while the economic impact from the 2017-18 season will be released later this year.