The opening of Singapore’s new international cruise terminal has further highlighted the urgent need to upgrade Australian port infrastructure, according to Carnival Australia boss Ann Sherry.
Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong have all seen strong investment in cruise facilities by authorities keen to capitalise on the cruising boom.
Meanwhile, infrastructure in Australia is being neglected despite its current position as the world’s fastest growing cruise market, she said. The sector has seen double digit annual growth in Australia for seven consecutive years, with 625,000 Australians taking a cruise in 2011.
“Infrastructure gaps at ports including Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns remain the greatest threat to the continued growth of the local cruise industry,” she said.
“While cruise complexes in Asia are of much greater size and scale than contemplated for Australian ports, it is important to understand that high quality cruise facilities will give Asia a competitive edge in making the most of the economic opportunities that cruising presents.”
