Western Australia’s potential as a cruise destination has been highlighted by new research which revealed the state’s ports were responding well to passenger needs.
The Tourism Research Australia report found the overall performance of the ports in catering to passenger needs was rated as “high”. It is based an a survey of 430 passengers from 10 cruise ships that visited Fremantle, Bunbury, Geraldton and Broome earlier this year.
Minister for tourism Martin Ferguson urged local tourism operators to use the study’s findings to further improve visitor experience in the region.
“These findings provide important information to local tourism organisations about what they are doing well, and also, where there is room for improvement to increase visitor expenditure in places like Broome, Geraldton and Bunbury,” he said.
Passengers surveyed suggested high quality product and services, including availability of organised tours and improved shopping, food and drink offerings as practical improvements to the visitor experience.
“The benefits of such improvements should not be underestimated,” Ferguson said.
