Devastated Kangaroo Island welcomes first cruise ship since bushfires

Kangaroo Island has welcomed its first cruise ship since horrific wildfires incinerated almost half the island.

Sun Princess became the first cruise ship to return Kangaroo Island in support of the local community devastated by bushfires. Pictures: Princess Cruises

Fire-ravaged Kangaroo Island has welcomed its first cruise ship since horrific wildfires, which have incinerated almost half the island were ignited by lightning on January 3.

Princess Cruises’ 2000-guest Sun Princess dropped its anchor off the island early on Sunday morning, enabling guests to spend the day visiting famous tourist attractions and supporting the local economy.

Princess Cruises’ 2000-guest Sun Princess has just become the first cruise ship to return to Kangaroo Island since the fires. pic.twitter.com/kgLp3hgGF6

— Rachel Baxendale (@rachelbaxendale) January 18, 2020

The tourists were welcomed by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall and federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, as the state government launched its “Book Them Out” campaign to encourage Australians to holiday on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills.

“It is great to be back on Kangaroo Island to welcome the Sun Princess, the first of the cruise ships back to Kangaroo Island after the devastating bushfires,” Mr Marshall said.

“They provide a massive injection to the local economy”.

SA Premier Steven Marshall Premier welcomes Sun Princess’s Captain Diego Perra.Picture: John Montesi.

Mr Marshall said 28 cruise ships were expected to visit the island this year.

“The locals absolutely love them. We love having them here,” he said.

Local businesses held a market selling local products such as woollen jumpers, preserves, honey and artworks to tourists, who also took tours to attractions such as Seal Rock and the Island’s wildlife park.

The tourists’ arrival came as Mr Birmingham announced a $76 million tourism recovery package aimed at halting an alarming decline in international bookings in the wake of the bushfire crisis.

Mr Birmingham said with bookings from key international markets down by as much as 30 to 40 per cent, the package was vital to protecting jobs, small businesses and local economies.

The $76 million package — flagged by The Australian yesterday — includes $20 million for a nationally co-ordinated domestic marketing initiative and $25 million for a global marketing campaign to bring international tourists back to Australia.