Ann Sherry on sustainable cruising

Ann Sherry on sustainable cruising
By admin


THE CHALLENGE:

With its idyllic destinations and fascinating island cultures, the South Pacific has been Australia’s cruising mecca for the past 80 years and, in recent times, it has become one of the world’s fastest growing cruise holiday markets. This seems a natural outcome for a region blessed with huge tourism potential.

It is also one of the world’s last accessible regions that still retains a genuine sense of discovery; a place where the words unspoilt and idyllic really mean something. Such is the amazing growth of cruising in the South Pacific that next year around a quarter of a million cruise passengers will visit the Pacific Islands. Given such exponential growth, the people of the South Pacific are entitled to wonder what is in this cruising boom for them.

Our research suggests cruising already contributes $34 million annually to island economies and this will grow to around $100 million within ten years. The challenge of doing even more to connect cruising and economic opportunity is developing along two unrelated but parallel paths. One of these focuses on how communities can be helped to develop tourism ventures that generate jobs for locals. The other relates to updating hydrographic surveys to provide accurate navigational charts that could lead to the opening up of new destinations.

THE SOLUTION:

First, to the question of updating hydrographic surveys. When Queen Mary 2 completed her recent historic circumnavigation of Australia she carried onboard – courtesy of the State Library of NSW – Matthew Flinders’ journal, log book and the charts that he made following his 1802-1803 circumnavigation on HMS Investigator.

It was a timely reminder that even now, in 2012, some of the data on navigational charts in the South Pacific dates back to Captain Cook’s day. Indeed, some areas are still yet to be charted. It’s not an issue for cruise ships because they use tried and tested courses, taking holidaymakers to familiar destinations that have been on cruise itineraries for decades. However, the data gaps in coastal charts elsewhere are a constraint to opening up new destinations to cruise ship visits and to the economic opportunity they can deliver to local communities.

Updating hydrographic surveys across such a wide area of the Pacific is an enormous undertaking that won’t happen quickly or cheaply. But I’m pleased to say relevant authorities in Australia, New Zealand and in the South Pacific itself are rising to the challenge. They are also awake to the excellent opportunity it presents the region with.

We are also seeing progress on the other challenge of encouraging island communities to develop tourism ventures round cruising. At Carnival Australia, we’ve had the privilege of working with organisations such as AusAID and their Enterprise Challenge Fund, Australian Business Volunteers and NZAid to name just a few. These partnerships have resulted in destination management plans to protect fragile island environments and have provided significant improvements to island infrastructure to support cruising. Additionally, the partnerships have also been a catalyst for tourism ventures in places such as Mystery Island in Vanuatu and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia.

Given its 80 years of cruising experience in the South Pacific, it is no surprise that P&O Cruises is deeply involved in these activities. Nor is it a surprise that it is making good progress in its own program to have 10% of onboard hotel operations staff recruited locally, along with an internship for senior students at the University of the South Pacific.

So whether it is lending support for updating important hydrographic surveys in the South Pacific or encouraging economic opportunities in the region, it is great to be seen as part of the solution.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]