Tourism industry just cruising

QUEENSLAND’S cruise ship industry is steaming ahead, in a $1.1 billion bonanza for the economy last year alone.

New data to be released today reveals a 70 per cent increase in the number of cruise ship visits to Queensland in the past three years, with direct spending from cruise passengers rising almost $250 million during the same period.

The new figures come as the State Government continues to pursue more of the world’s cruising companies to set sail for Queensland on a regular basis.

New figures show the number of ships visiting Queensland ports has risen from 275 four years ago to 468 in the 2016-17 financial year.

Spending by passengers rose from $349 million in 2014-15 to $590 million last year, while the total value of cruise ships to the Queensland economy more than doubled from $402 million to more than $1.1 billion.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Queensland’s cruise ship industry was now the envy of the country, with ports up to the Great Barrier Reef.

“More cruise ships ported in Queensland last year than any other state – we’re dominating this sector,” she said. “This industry now supports 4330 jobs in Queensland, and we’re working hard to grow that.

“Cruise shipping is a huge growth market for tourism.”

Ms Jones said an upgraded port in Cairns will welcome an extra 100 ships a year once works are completed, in an $850 million boost to Tropical North Queensland Tourism.