19 December 2009
Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor today welcomed Queensland's first ever superliner to Brisbane saying it heralded a new era for the State's expanding cruise shipping industry.
"The arrival of P&O Cruises' Pacific Dawn is an exciting day for Queensland and for the State's tourism industry overall," he said.
"I understand the 70,000 tonne ship will inject $44 million into the local economy and will be the first to be deployed in Brisbane all year round.
"It is expected to increase the company's Brisbane capacity by about 20 percent with cruises to the South Pacific, New Zealand and ports in North Queensland.
"With cruising now recognised as the fastest growing segment of Australian tourism, Brisbane's first superliner is sure to be a big hit with people keen to experience its luxury.
"The Pacific Dawn has 184 balcony cabins, five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-story atrium and a spectacular Dome entertainment area."
Mr Lawlor said Queensland would further benefit from plans by P&O Cruises to deploy a second ship out of Brisbane in 2011.
"This deployment will increase local passenger numbers by an extra 18,000 between March and May 2011," he said.
"During Autumn 2011 more than 5,000 passengers and crew will make their exit and entry at Hamilton Wharf each week, the equivalent of 13 jumbo jet loads of people.
"Apart from the obvious tourism benefits, Queensland business will benefit directly from contracts to supply the 100 tonnes of food and drink required each week for the two ships."
"According to the nation's peak cruise shipping industry body, Cruise Down Under, total expenditure on Queensland cruising increased by 35% from $151.2M to $203.8M over the past year," he said.
"Total passenger numbers on cruise ships in Queensland also grew by 46%, up from 169,386 in 2007/2008 to 247,964 in 2008/2009.
"And importantly, jobs supp orted by the sector hit the one thousand mark, up from 732 in 2007/2008 to 1,032 in 2008/2009.
"These figures are only going to get better over the next few years."
Mr Lawlor said the Cruise Down Under report also showed that cruise shipping was providing a multimillion dollar boost to regional Queensland economies.
"Over the past year it value added some $9 million to the Cairns regional economy, $6.1M to the Mackay/Whitsunday region and $2 million to Townsville," he said.
