CAPITAL INVESTMENT

$1m CRUISE SHIP BONANZA

TWO cruise ships in port at the same time provided a million dollar boost for Hobart traders yesterday with more than 6000 visitors enjoying the state’s capital.

Traders said they were particularly busy as passengers from The Noordam and Ovation of the Seas poured into the city.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys, right, said on average cruise ship tourists spend $172 each.

“We know that they spend their money on retail, food and beverages, and excur- sions — with 43 per cent of passengers participating in some kind of organised tour for the day,” he said.

Two ships dock at the same time in Hobart about six times during the cruise ship season, with the next double up expected on February 11.

Brooke Street Pier trader Rowena Brazzill said she had a very busy day.

“The passengers were very generous in their spending,” she said.

TASMANIA’S capital has enjoyed a double dose of cruise ship passenger cash, with thousands of visitors splashing up to $1.1 million on local products and attractions in one day.

The Noordam and Ovation of the Seas were yesterday docked in Hobart at the same time.

Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said if both ships were at capacity, totalling 6800 passengers, it could be expected that visitors would have spent about $1.1 million.

“The average passenger spend per person while in port in Hobart is $172,” he said. “We know that they spend their money on retail, food and beverages, and excursions — with 43 per cent of passengers participating in some kind of organised tour for the day.

“Like the general visitor, they tend to be looking to engage with nature, which means kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Zoodoo Wildlife Park would have had good visitation. The city tour is also something visitors enjoy.

“We know that a cruise ship experience does influence a person’s decision to return, and when they do, they spend slightly more than the average visitor by about 20 per cent. ”

Mr Heroys said two ships docked at the same time in Hobart about six times during the cruise ship season, with the next double up expected on February 11.

Destination Southern Tasmania is currently working with cruise ship companies to make Hobart a “turnaround” point, meaning passengers would be able to get on and off in the city.

They are also looking at opportunities to provide cruise lines with Tasmanian produce through partnerships with local suppliers.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said the cruise ship double up was “phenomenal for the local economy”.

“We know that people coming off the cruise ships are ready to spend money locally,” he said.

“Tours will be busy, hire cars will be busy, and it’s a good day for local businesses.

“I’ve had quite a bit to do with the cruise industry, and they’re very keen to make sure that we engage as best as we can with passengers while they’re on the vessels.

“We’ve got to remember that the vast majority of people on these cruise ships are there so they can see new destinations, experience new places, and go in and enjoy local cuisine and local products.”

Ellie Lindsay, who owns pop-up dressing gown and day coat store La Robe de Chambre, said she noticed a huge boost in the number of people at Brooke St Pier yesterday.

“I had lots of people looking and I gave out lots of cards,” she said.

Naturally Millie Ma owner Rowena Brazzill said she also had a very busy day. “The passengers were very generous in their spending and eager to buy Tasmanian products,” she said.