The arrival of Crown Princess into Newcastle Harbour today has officially launched a bumper cruise season for the region, with more than 30,000 cruise tourists set to visit over the coming months.
Carrying more than 3000 passengers and 1200 crew, the 290-metre Crown Princess is the first of a record 18 cruise ships scheduled to dock in Newcastle between October and April, including five maiden arrivals, making it the city's biggest cruise season to date.
From Newcastle's vibrant coastal culture and attractions to wineries in the Hunter Valley, the Chocolate Factory on the Central Coast, Port Stephens Koala Santuary and dolphin watching and sand dune experiences off the coast of Port Stephens, cruise passengers provide a significant boost to local tourism operators and businesses.
Supporting this growth is the Newcastle Cruise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which brings together Port Authority, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Newcastle Tourism Industry Group and seven local councils to promote the region and grow its tourist offerings for visiting cruise ships.
Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said the long-term development of cruise in regional NSW was having a positive impact on local communities.
“Cruise schedules naturally fluctuate from year to year, but it’s fantastic to see Newcastle welcoming its biggest cruise season on record this year,” Mr McKenna said.
“Over the longer term, cruise visitation to Newcastle has increased steadily by around 13 per cent on average year-on-year, over the past decade.
“We're proud to safely pilot these vessels into Newcastle and continue to support industry and government efforts to strengthen the region’s appeal as a key cruise destination through the MoU partnership.”
Destination Sydney Surrounds North General Manager Glenn Caldwell said Newcastle's growing reputation as a cruise destination was helping introduce more visitors to the region.
“A cruise visit is often a traveller's first taste of Newcastle and the surrounding regions, and we're seeing growing interest in the incredible experiences available both on the coast and across the broader region,” Mr Caldwell said.
“Recent passenger survey results have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the strong impressions visitors are taking away from their time in the region.
“With cruise estimated to contribute around $20 million to the local economy each year, every ship visit provides an opportunity for all of us to showcase what makes this part of NSW such a compelling destination and encourage visitors to return in the future.”
Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Secretary Stewart Ford said the city's Welcome Volunteers played an important role in helping tourists make the most of their time in the region.
“Our volunteers help create a warm welcome and connect visitors with the attractions, experiences and local businesses that make this part of NSW so special,” Mr Ford said.
“With a record number of visitors expected this season, support from Port Authority's Community Grants Program has helped us recruit 30 new volunteers, update our signage and provide new tourist maps to help passengers explore the city and surrounding region.”
Newcastle rolls out welcome wagon
More than 35,000 cruise passengers will be invited to experience the best of Newcastle’s east end thanks to an initiative taking advantage of the record-breaking cruise season.
The Passenger Experience Project is hoping to tap into the economic windfall by transporting cruise visitors via a shuttle bus loop every 20 minutes from the Visitor Information Centre to the corner of Hunter and Watt Street, where they can explore boutique businesses, galleries, cafes and restaurants.
It is one of 16 projects to share in $925,000 of funding through the latest round of City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rates (SBR) program.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said it was exciting to see innovative approaches being delivered to support the city’s business precincts.
“Watching these mammoth vessels pull through the headland and into our beautiful Newcastle Harbour brings with it a certain sense of excitement,” Cr Morris said.
“For businesses in the east end, this project will ensure the arrival of the cruise ships generates a new level of economic opportunity alongside this excitement.
“The Special Business Rates program is specifically designed to benefit businesses in the City Centre, Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend and the Passenger Experience Project is a fantastic example of this.”
The Passenger Experience Project draws on proven models from Darwin and Port Adelaide, where comparable programs have successfully dispersed cruise visitors into retail precincts and lifted local expenditure.
It was developed in consultation with precinct businesses, the Newcastle Visitor Centre, Destination NSW, the Newcastle Tourism Industry Group and City of Newcastle.
Around 20 local businesses are already onboard, offering special cruise passenger deals to improve visitor access and encourage exploration.
Chair of the East End Collective, Lukas Thodas, said the project will help traders tap into a lucrative opportunity.
“Destination NSW data shows cruise passengers spend an average of $197 onshore per person,” Mr Thodas said.
“By bringing people to the east end, we’ll increase foot traffic, dwell time and spending at participating local businesses.
“Our traders were keen to capitalise on the record-breaking cruise season, but many were unsure how to draw visitors into the precinct.
“The 24-seater shuttle bus will do loops every 20 minutes to pick up passengers and drop them in the east end, giving businesses a coordinated pathway to capture that spend.
“Beyond the cruise season, the branded digital and printed resources will continue promoting Newcastle East businesses year-round, delivering lasting value beyond the life of the project.”
