Australia’s cruise industry generates record A$5.63b for the economy

Cruising has rebounded rapidly since local operations resumed in mid-2022 and this is 22.1% higher than the pre-pandemic 2018-19 figure.

Highest ever

‘The economic impact from cruise tourism last financial year was the highest ever recorded in Australia,’ Joel Katz, CLIA Australasia MD said.

‘Cruising returned to Australia much later than other parts of the world, but the ships have been resoundingly welcomed by cruise fans who have been heading back to sea in huge numbers,’ Katz said.

‘The 2022-23 year has brought higher levels of passenger spending, higher levels of cruise line spending and record levels of economic output around Australia.’

More destinations

ACA CEO Jill Abel said cruise ships visited more Australian destinations than ever in 2022-23, reaching 62 communities around the coast.

‘Together these destinations welcomed 1,354 ship visits, which generates enormous income for businesses like tourism operators, hotels and restaurants, retailers, transport providers and port operators,’ Abel said.

Employment up

Other highlights in ‘The Value of Cruise Tourism’ economic assessment that was carried out for CLIA and the ACA by the Australian Economics Consultants Group, include:

*   Total employment of 18,225 full-time equivalent positions nationally (up 9.9%), with total wages income of A$1.82b (up 35.7%)

*   Direct passenger expenditure of A$1.49b (up 10.6%) and direct crew expenditure of $A52m (up 48.1%)     

*   Direct cruise line expenditure of A$1.17b (up 8.3%)

*   Cruise line expenditure included A$227m (up1.4%) paid to Australian ports and governments

*.  New South Wales recorded the biggest benefit from cruising with a total economic impact of A$2.75b, or 48.8% of the national total

•   Queensland had a total economic output of A$1.69b, or 29.9% of the national total

•   Victoria followed, then Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory