Australia: A new research report launched by the Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson has highlighted the potential of cruise ships to drive tourism growth in the northern Australian city of Darwin.
The Australian cruise ship industry had a record year in 2008-09, with both cruise ships and visitors to ports increasing. Compared with the previous year there was a 12 percent increase in cruise ships, 34 percent increase in passenger days at port and 33 percent increase in crew days at port nationally.
"The cruise ship industry is an AU$18.4 million [US$15.7 million] industry for the Northern Territory," said Minister Ferguson. "The increase in cruise ship passengers into Darwin provides an opportunity for tourism businesses to compete for their disposable dollar and provide products which encourage passengers to seek new on shore opportunities throughout the Northern Territory."
