Minister for Trade Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said cruising is already the fastest growing tourism sector in Australia and the arrival of Ovation of the Seas marks the mid-point in the biggest cruise season in the state’s history.
“One in four Australians already ‘cruise’ and this incredible vessel will redefine the customer experience and most importantly inject millions back into our economy,” Mr Ayres said.
“With a record 336 ships scheduled to visit the state by next April, NSW continues to grab the lion’s share of the country’s $3.6 billion cruise dollar with 67 per cent of Australia’s cruise revenue generated right here in our state.
“Sydney is the ideal home port for a vessel offering passengers experiences ranging from the chance to sky dive at sea, grab a cocktail from a robotic bartender, dine at Jamie Oliver’s first floating Australian restaurant or swan around a $5.9 million, 11,000 piece art collection.”
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said the NSW Government has made massive investments in cruising infrastructure including $135 million to ensure Sydney can continue to attract cruise ships from around the world.
“The upgraded Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) meets ship turnaround time needs better than ever before - faster turnaround means more cruise liners can come into Sydney on any one day,” Mr Gay said.
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping Sydney open, available and accessible to the growing number of ships wanting to come here.”
More than 1 million Australians or 4.5 per cent of the population cruise each year, with this number set to double by 2020. Ovation of the Seas, capable of carrying 5000 passengers, becomes the biggest, newest and the most technologically advanced cruise ship to ever call Australia home.
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