CRUISE SHIP INDUSTRY

346 Mrs PENFOLD (Flinders) (12 February 2008). What is being done to develop the Cruise Ship Industry in South Australia?

The Hon. J.D. LOMAX-SMITH (Adelaide—Minister for Education and Children's Services, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the City of Adelaide): The South Australian Tourism Commission has provided the following information:

The South Australian Cruise Ship Strategy developed in 2005 has a vision 'to increase the number of cruise ship visits and provide greater economic benefit for South Australia, as well as enhancing our reputation as a highly desirable and quality destination.'

There are a number of objectives that have been identified to ensure the development of the cruise ship industry in SA, including:

Raising the profile and awareness of South Australia by targeting cruise ship companies and itinerary planners. The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has developed a cruise ship industry sales kit and makes one on one sales calls to cruise ship companies and inbound tourism operators involved in the cruise industry along the east coast of Australia.

The SATC is currently discussing opportunities for cruise ships visits to regional ports and anchorages with Flinders Ports which would mean ships would be able to berth in the regions and create an increase in regional tourism expenditure.

Development of quality shore excursions with local operators and inbound tour operators to ensure the products and services offered, meet the needs of the consumers.

Sustain the quality of passenger terminal infrastructure. South Australia is one of the very few states that has purpose built facilities. The SATC has a contract with Flinders Ports to ensure the facilities are safe, clean and provide basic facilities (toilets, drinking water, sheltered outdoor areas, transport options)

Meet and Greet service to passengers. South Australia provides the best meet and greet service in Australia. There are many volunteers to welcome passengers on arrival and to assist them with enquiries. There is a retail trade village in the terminal for passengers and transport is provided from the terminal for passengers who wish to explore the city. SATC funds a shuttle for elderly and disabled passengers from the terminal door to the train station platform. This service has been very successful on arrival days.

The SATC is a platinum member of the national Cruise Down Under Association to ensure all national marketing and development activities are included. This membership also ensures South Australian representation at the largest cruise ship trade event in the world, 'Seatrade' held annually in Miami.

The SATC undertakes research biannually of the cruise ship season to determine economic impacts and receive passenger feedback on South Australia. The information collected is used to assess the characteristics of passengers which providing critical feedback on the services for improvements in the future.

South Australia 2007-08 season comprises of 7 ships, 4 of these arrivals are large ships with over 2,000 passengers. Next season 2008-09 will be a recording breaking season currently with 19 arrivals booked in from November 2008 to March 2009.