Accommodation businesses will see significant flow-on benefits from increased port access for cruise ships in Sydney Harbour, according to the AAA.
The Accommodation Association of Australia (AAA) says passengers on cruise ships inject millions of dollars into the Australian economy every year, both directly and indirectly.
“Operators of accommodation businesses will rightfully see the announcement of cruise ships gaining access to Sydney’s Garden Island as a sign of support for tourism,” says AAA’s CEO, Richard Munro.
“Every time a large cruise ship visits an Australian port, thousands of passengers spend their money in local businesses.
“When a cruise ship berths, accommodation businesses invariably see a surge in patronage in their restaurants, while passengers often stay in hotels before and after their trip.
“The demographic of cruise ship passengers is such that they have high levels of discretionary spending.
“The accommodation industry welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government about access for cruise ships at Garden Island and would be pleased to support a permanent long-term arrangement for this important sector of the Australian tourism industry,” Munro says.