P&O Cruises to offer more cruise ships based in Australia

P&O Cruises’ home-ported fleet expansion in Australia will deliver a significant boost to the tourism industry and the growing cruise market, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

P&O Cruises will welcome two more ships to its fleet next year, taking Carnival Group’s fleet to 12 home-ported ships in Australia.

TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said this will deliver even more job opportunities for the industry and highlights the need for ongoing infrastructure investment to make the most of the cruising boom.

“Australian cruise passenger numbers have increased 130 per cent in the past five years, with the sector on track to carry 1 million passengers by 2016,” said Mr Morrison.

“Cruising presents a great opportunity for Australia’s tourism industry with flow on effects right through the visitor economy. Accommodation providers benefit from the additional demand cruise ships generate, as many people spend a night or two in the departure city before their cruise or on their return.

“They also spend money on shopping, dining out, transport services and visiting attractions, helping to spread the benefits throughout the visitor economy.

“The addition of these ships will help to generate additional spending by passengers, as well as by Carnival Australia as it stocks up on provisions for its voyages.

“While the addition of these two ships will provide a welcome boost to the visitor economy, it will also add to demand for port facilities in peak season.

“The New South Wales government’s $49-million investment to upgrade Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is a welcome commitment and will allow the facility to accommodate larger ships.

“However, TTF continues to push for permanent arrangements to allow cruise ships to share Garden Island with the Royal Australian Navy during the peak of the summer cruise season to facilitate the continuing growth of the cruise sector and the economic benefits that brings.

“With additional ships based in Australia and with a growing number of ships simply too big to fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, steps must be taken to secure additional port facilities east of the bridge.

“New facilities are also required in Brisbane to ensure that south-east Queensland capitalises on the economic contribution of the sector.”