TIME TO RELAUNCH CRUISE WOLLONGONG

A permanent cruise terminal at the Port of Port Kembla would be the catalyst to drive hotel investment in the region, according to Wollongong Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown.

“A cruise terminal at Port Kembla would be a game changer giving the hotel industry confidence in Wollongong as a viable market,” Cr Brown said.

“When Radiance of the Seas visiting the city in 2016, that day visit alone generated a million dollars for the visitor economy. A turn around port brings a far greater financial return with passenger overnight stays pre and post cruise, provision of supplies and services.

“As Lord Mayor of Wollongong, I would relaunch and Chair the Cruise Wollongong Committee to work to establish a port facility for the region, including advocating to State Government, Port Authority, NSW Ports and the cruise industry.

“Last August at the Cruise Australia conference held in Wollongong, Gavin Smith the Managing Director of Royal Caribbean, said they would move their entire operation to Port Kembla if we had a permanent port facility.

“This all presents an opportunity for Wollongong and one we need to chase.

Cruise passenger numbers are heading back to pre-pandemic highs, and most new cruise ships are too large to fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With Yarra Bay in Port Botany off the table the industry will be looking for viable alternate locations nearby.

“As a former Chair of Destination Wollongong, I know the work that was undertaken by the team and Board to attract day visits, with determined industry engagement needed to sell the benefits of the region.

“It’s time for us to relaunch Cruise Wollongong, and work with the State Government to bring this industry to Wollongong. This could be the gamechanger that will help deliver much needed hotels,” Cr Brown said.