The Northern Territory’s growing importance as an international cruise hub was the subject of top level discussions last week.
Marie-Clare Boothby, NT Tourism Minister, and Suzana Bishop, NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO, met with Joel Katz, CLIA Executive Director in Australasia, to discuss opportunities presented by cruise tourism in the region.
Mr Katz said the meeting recognised the huge value of cruise tourism to Darwin and across the Territory.
“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,” Mr Katz said.
Pictured from left: Hugh Cavill, CLIA Director of Government Affairs Australasia; Marie-Clare Boothby, NT Tourism Minister; Joel Katz, CLIA Executive Director Australasia; and Suzana Bishop, NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO.
Cruising contributed more than $205 million to the NT economy last financial year, an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year.
Darwin has benefited from increased cruise ship calls, including visitation during the Top End’s off-peak wet season, reinforcing its role as both an international gateway to Asia and a hub for expedition cruising in Australia’s north.
