Joel Bowden, Sam Bennett say cruise ship industry delivers $65m to economy

A grand-class cruise ship’s maiden voyage is one of more than 100 ships expected to deliver millions to the NT’s economy. Here’s how.

A grand-class cruise ship carrying almost 4000 people is one of 103 set to boost the Territory’s economy and breathe new life into Darwin’s CBD.

The P&O Cruises Pacific Adventure’s maiden voyage took the giant ship to Darwin on Tuesday morning.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden and General Manager Tourism Top End Sam Bennett. Picture: Elise Graham

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Joel Bowden said more than 2660 passengers aboard the Pacific Adventure would tour across the Top End for the day or flood the mall for a morning of shopping during their stay.

“Everyone benefits from the cruise ship industry coming to town again,” Mr Bowden said.

“We might see new businesses pop up – when we continue to have more people, we continue to have more money. It’s the multiplier effect.”

Interstate passengers disembark P&O Pacific Adventure. Nanifas Komi, Ragusa Abusador, Julia Koko, Robel Tag. Picture: Elise Graham

Interstate passengers disembark P&O Pacific Adventure at Darwin port. Noreen Stephens, John Stephens, Kaye McInerney, Tim McInerney, Robyn Brown and Graham Brown. Picture: Elise Graham.

Mr Bowden said the cruise ship industry would inject about $6 million into the NT’s economy during the 2023-2024 season.

He said about 60,000 visitors would stop in the NT thanks to these cruises.

Tourism Top End general manager Sam Bennett she was thrilled to see the number of ships increase.

“45,000 passengers will disembark in our low season,” she said.

“That’s 45,000 passengers who wouldn’t have been to Darwin that we’ll get on our tours.

“They’ll go and see our attractions, they’ll visit the hotels, they’ll have lunch in town, it’s a really important part of our industry.”