CRUISE CONTROL

PLEA TO MANAGE TOURIST SHIPS

A BIG jump in cruise ship visits to Tasmania over the next two years must be carefully managed, the tourism lobby says. Ship visits to the state will increase by 40 per cent over the next two years. Tourism Industry Council Tasmania Luke Martin said the cruise market needed to be managed “very carefully” to protect the state’s brand.

THE influx of cruise ships to Tasmania shows no signs of slowing, with port visits increasing by 40 per cent over the next two years.

Figures provided by Premier Will Hodgman during state budget estimates showed there were 105 port calls by cruise ships in Tasmania in 2018/19.

This was a decrease from the previous year’s number of 125. However this summer the number is set to increase to 135 port calls, climbing to 146 the following year.

The figures include 67 ship visits to Hobart this coming season and 80 next season.

The forecast growth on top of already significant numbers have prompted concerns about over-tourism and a plea for “careful management” from the tourism industry and the State Opposition.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said as cruising would continue to be one of the fastest growing travel markets over coming years, the state must be prepared.

“We need to manage this market very carefully. Tasmania should position to be the exclusive cruise ship destination in Australasia,” Mr Martin said.

“This means smaller, higher yielding ships. who pay a premium to come.”

Opposition leader Rebecca White said the State Government should take a more strategic approach to cruise ships.

“We must learn the lessons of international cruise ship destinations like Venice where rampant tourism growth has created a backlash in the community,” Ms White said.

“Anticipated growth in visitor numbers will place increasing pressure on Tasmania’s existing visitor services, tourism infrastructure and transport networks, and the Government must demonstrate that it has a plan to manage those impacts.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said an increasing number of cruise ships put Tasmania in danger of becoming a mass tourism destination.

“Too many cruise ships are part of over-tourism. The growth is really concerning, particularly for Hobart,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Premier Will Hodgman needs to better understand the need to make Tasmania a quality visitor experience.”

A spokesman for the State Government said cruise ships were a significant contributor to the economy.

“Last year, passengers and crew spent $34.5 million with the state’s tourism operators, retailers and hospitality. We are working with cruise operators to increase the number of Tasmanian ports included on cruise line itineraries, looking at how to attract more boutique international vessels with quality niche tours that get visitors out to our regions, and considering innovative ways to increase the amount of specialty Tasmanian products on board cruise ships,” the spokesman said.

The State Government has pledged to keep cruise ships out of Wineglass Bay.

TasPorts has previously refused to reveal how much revenue is raised by cruise ships using state-owned port facilities.