Cruise ship strategy bid
PREMIER Will Hodgman is under pressure from Labor to reveal when the Government’s overdue cruise ship strategy will be released.
Opposition Leader Rebecca White yesterday said the Premier’s unfulfilled promise to announce a new strategy for the cruise ship sector by June this year was unacceptable.
Ms White said Mr Hodgman committed to a new strategy following the release of the Tasmanian Cruise Market Update and Regional Ports Review in October last year. “We’ve had all talk and no action on this important strategy for Tasmania,” Ms White said.
“There are a number of questions the Labor Party wants answered, including how Will Hodgman plans to ensure visitation is evenly spread through the regions.
“It’s important that tourism operators and small businesses in regional areas are able to benefit from visitation by cruise tourists.
“We also need assurances that the Government is working strategically to ensure Tasmanians gain greater benefit from the cruise ship industry and that this is balanced with the protection of Tasmania’s iconic places, such as Wineglass Bay.”
When contacted by the Mercury yesterday a Government spokesman said “the strategy will be released very soon”.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the strategy would provide a blueprint for growth in the sector.
“It will provide a clear framework for future growth of the cruise ship sector which is the fastest growing sector in Tasmanian tourism,” Mr Martin said.
“We want Tasmania to be a premium cruising destination and the global tourism forecasts are very strong.”
Figures provided by Premier Will Hodgman during state budget estimates earlier this year showed there were 105 port calls by cruise ships in Tasmania in 2018/19.
This summer the number is set to increase to 135 port calls, climbing to 146 the following year.
Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor earlier this year said an increasing number of cruise ships was “really concerning and too many cruise ships are part of over-tourism”.