Royal Caribbean boss says Botany is most viable option for terminal
ONE of the most powerful figures in the cruise industry has said Botany Bay is the most viable and pragmatic option for Sydney.
Southern Courier
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ONE of the most powerful figures in the cruise industry has said Botany Bay is the most viable and pragmatic option for Sydney.
Susan Bonner, vice president and managing director of Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand, said she supported the proposal given that Garden Island has been ruled out by the Federal Government.
Ms Bonner warned that failure to build another terminal in Sydney could have dire consequences for the city and state economy.
“These newer ships are driving passenger demand and Sydney can only compete with Asian and other Australian destinations if it continues to upgrade its infrastructure.
“If we don’t build the infrastructure required Sydney cannot capitalise on these economic benefits, and risks losing its place as the home of cruising in the Australian-Pacific region to other regional ports.”
She dismissed the suggestion passengers would be put off by the prospect of arriving into Sydney via Botany Bay.
“There are many examples of cruise terminals located outside of the city centre elsewhere in the world; for example New York’s Cape Liberty cruise port in New Jersey and Rome’s cruise port Civitavecchia. Whilst both are industrial ports, each handles over one million cruise passengers per year.”
Ms Bonner said Botany Bay has many distinct advantages including proximity to the airport, where many cruise passengers would fly in and out, and the fact there is already shipping infrastructure and fuel readily available.
She added: “It’s important that those living near any development have their views considered however it’s also important that the benefits to the whole community are considered and that any proposal is considered on its merits.”
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