Cruise passenger spending surges

THE economic contribution of the cruise sector is at a record $5.2 billion thanks to increased expenditure on accommodation, food and beverage, shore excursions and shopping by passengers on cruise ships calling at Australian ports, according to a new report from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association.

The independently compiled report found more than 18,000 Australian jobs were supported by the cruise sector in 2018-19, a year-on-year increase of 6.6%.

Total cruise passenger direct spending increased 17.4% to almost $1.4 billion, according to CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz.

“Cruise passengers now spend an average of $387 each for every day they’re on shore in Australia, which provides enormous benefits to businesses like hotels, restaurants, tour operators and retailers,” he said.

Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel said cruise ships had visited 47 ports across Australia during 2018/19, bringing tourism benefits to some of the country’s most remote coastal communities - including locations that in some cases are otherwise difficult for visitors to access.

At the start or end of a cruise, international visitors spent an average of $569 per day, versus domestic travellers who spent $436 per day.

When visiting transit ports, international guests spent $211 per day on shore, while domestic cruisers spent $174 daily.

Cruise line direct expenditure reached almost $1.1 billion, on items such as fuel, food and beverage and port charges.