Port puts welcome mat out for visitors
HUNDREDS of travellers stepped ashore in Townsville for the first time yesterday as the first cruise ship of the season arrived.
The 600 passengers from Seabourn Encore were greeted by circus performers, live music and an array of pop- up market stalls at Quayside Terminal yesterday morning.
Authorities are expecting 21 ships over the next 13 months to berth in Townsville.
Port of Townsville manager of corporate affairs Sharon Hoops said each passenger would spend about $ 250 in Townsville, adding up to about $ 4 million in the next year for retail expenditure alone.
“Townsville Enterprise, the council and industry stakeholders worked hard to communicate with the ( cruise) lines and let them know we exist,” she said.
Ms Hoops said about 120 visitors embarked on prebooked tours to places such as Magnetic Island and others used free shuttle buses to visit places like Flinders St and The Strand.
Among the new arrivals were Bart Prievey and Sharon Withrow, who were planning a visit to Magnetic Island.
“We’ve got a tour planned and then maybe we’ll do a little shopping,” Mr Prievey said.
It was not the first foray to Australia for Belgian residents Mouseru and Francena YanPeter but it was their first visit to Townsville.
“We go on a lot of cruises,” Mr Yan- Peter said.
Mrs Yan- Peter said she was enjoying the warm weather in Townsville.
“Because it’s snowing in Belgium. I like the heat,” she said.
Ms Hoops said Port of Townsville hoped to lure 30 ships each year by 2020.
Ships larger than 238m cannot anchor because of the size of the channel in the port, which means only 50 per cent of passing ships can call in.
Channel widening will eventually allow ships 300m long to moor in Townsville.
Ms Hoops said people would be able to board a cruise ship in Townsville next year – creating a new industry and jobs.
It’s hoped a cruise ship will eventually be based in Townsville.