The Northern Territory’s thriving cruise economy was on the table in Sydney this week as NT Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby met with industry to discuss the Top End’s growing importance as an international cruise hub.
Together with the CEO of the Northern Territory Department of Tourism & Hospitality Suzana Bishop, the Minister met with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) executive director in Australasia Joel Katz to discuss the opportunities presented by cruise tourism in the region.
Cruising has grown significantly in the Territory, contributing more than $205 million to the local economy last financial year, an increase of 13% over the previous year. As an international cruise gateway to Asia and a hub for expedition cruising in Australia’s north, Darwin’s tourism industry has benefited from increased cruise ship calls – including important visitation during the Top End’s off-peak wet season.
Katz said the Minister’s visit recognised the huge value of cruise tourism to Darwin and across the Territory, particularly in supporting local businesses, jobs and economic activity in regional and remote communities.
“Against a backdrop of strong global growth in cruise, we discussed the importance of policy certainty at a federal level to support forward planning for cruise lines and future deployment decisions,” Katz said. “Cruise demand is there and the opportunity for the Northern Territory is clear. The focus now is ensuring that Australia has the right settings in place to capture it.”
