OUR SHIPS COME IN

Capital set for record tourist invasion

MORE than 8000 cruise ship passengers and crew will swarm Hobart today – the largest number of visitors to the city docks in a single day.

The massive Ovation of the Seas is due to dock alongside the Pacific Eden this morning – the first of eight “double-ups” this summer. In all, 130 vessels carrying more than 350,000 people will visit Tasmania this year – up about 115,000 on last year.

HOBART will experience its biggest cruise ship visit on record today, with more than 8000 passengers and crew from two vessels expected to inject more than $1.2 million into the local economy.

The Pacific Eden arrived in Hobart last night and the Ovation of the Seas was due to sail up the River Derwent early this morning. The two ships will have a total of 8200 passengers on board.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Mel Anderson said today was one of eight double visits of cruise ships to Hobart this year — the most on record and an increase from five last year.

She said the previous biggest number of passengers in a double visit was 7000.

“The double visits are indicative of demand, with more ships staying overnight,” Ms Anderson said.

“There will be an increased number of visitors spread around the city and beyond, from retail to hospitality and regional areas. When there are more visitors we need to work harder.”

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief Luke Martin said each passenger spent on average $150 — equating to a $1.23 million spend today.

“Some will go on tours to Mt Field, the Tahune Airwalk and Port Arthur while others wander around the city, like the museum, Mona and the Botanical Gardens,” he said.

This year is the biggest cruise ship season in Tasmanian history, with up to 130 ships bringing more than 350,000 passengers and crew to the state over coming months — which could total about $52.5 million in spending. In Hobart there will be 125,000 passengers and 50,000 crew arriving on 59 ships. The 2016-17 cruise season had 236,000 visitors.

The Hobart City Council has rostered on more staff at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at Macquarie Wharf as well as more volunteers, with port staff expected to be kept busy.

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said, after their visits, tourists would recommend the capital to friends at home.

Ms Anderson said 7000 people were expected in a double visit when the Nordam and Ovation of the Seas arrived on January 29. The Pacific Eden departs at 5pm, with the Ovation leaving at 6pm.