‘This local investment in port infrastructure acknowledges the Hunter region’s attractiveness as a cruise destination, with its ease of access to the surrounding wine growing district and other quality attractions,’ Myrmell said.
‘It also acknowledges cruise tourism’s local economic contribution as the industry continues to record double-digit growth in passenger numbers in Australia with domestic itineraries and short break cruises among the big growth areas in this market.’
He said P&O and parent company Carnival Australia are proud of the part they have played over the years in pioneering cruising to and from Newcastle.
‘The Port of Newcastle is the gateway to the Hunter and a new multipurpose terminal will showcase this beautiful city and give an important first impression to cruise passengers,’ Premier Baird said.
‘This project secures the future of cruise shipping in Newcastle and gives the city and the region the opportunity to compete for the growing east coast tourism trade,’ Baird said.
NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the 3,000 sq mtr cruise ship terminal, which will also be used by visiting naval vessels, will be similar in scale to the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney.
‘The new terminal will not only attract new cruise ships in the annual cruise season, but could also be used as a homeport,’ Stokes said.
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