Give us more NT access

ACCESS to wilderness regions, national parks, islands and indigenous communities is very important for the NT cruise sector, Coral Expeditions believes.

In light of the release of the Territory’s Cruise Tourism Strategy 2022-2025, Coral told Cruise Weekly that among the many key actions and strategic pillars outlined, the line is encouraging the “prudent re-opening and uninterrupted permitting of these key areas”.

“It is important for operators to have consistent and reliable access to visits with places and people in the region as this is the primary purpose of travel and the most inhibiting factor for cruise development in the NT at this time,” Coral said.

The cruise line also believes Darwin is very well positioned to service the cruise sector as a key northern port - one of the main actions listed in the Strategy - with key attributes including well-protected harbour and port facilities, good hotel and supply infrastructure, and good frequency and reliability of affordable air uplift.

Coral also believes investment into port infrastructure in the NT has been positive and is encouraging its continuation, “especially for the expedition sector, and to ensure that the facilities have the ability to handle more frequency of ships”.

“At present, there is some pressure on the wharf and terminal with long standing and year-round small Australian operators struggling for key wharf access when seasonal foreign lines come through the port.”

The Cruise Tourism Strategy was released earlier this month by the NT’s Department of Tourism - CLICK HERE for more information.