South Australia launches Cruise Attraction Working Group

Bettison said the group will have representatives from Flinders Ports, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and key industry stakeholders.

No stone unturned

‘I want to ensure no stone is left unturned in attracting more vessels to visit and home port from our state, however we can,’ Bettison said.

She said the latest figures from the 2022-23 season show cruising in South Australia was worth a record-breaking A$215m to the state’s economy, supporting 704 jobs.

This is up 48% compared to pre-COVID levels.

Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess will be the first cruise ship of the 2024-25 season, arriving in October and visiting Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and Adelaide.

Maiden visits

‘A total of 119 cruise and expedition ship visits are currently scheduled for 2024-25, with ships from MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Hapag-Lloyd visiting for the first time,’ Bettison said.

‘There’s more ahead with luxury cruise line Silversea locked in for 2025-26 across several South Australian ports, including multiple overnight stays.’

Significant investment

Bettison said there has been significant investment to make South Australia an even more appealing and competitive cruise destination.

‘We’ve made upgrades to the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal and given grants to local councils to develop cruise visitor infrastructure in both Port Lincoln and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island,’ she said.

Related:Record Australian Cruise Association conference, to Fremantle 2025

‘We’re also working with industry partners to increase the number and variation of pre- and post- touring packages, offering new products and experiences to support the continued growth of cruise ship visits and the regional dispersal of passengers.

‘While I acknowledge there are some challenges ahead for cruise as a sector nationally, we are working hard to ensure our state remains an appealing and competitive cruise destination.’