Territory Waters Open To Lucrative Cruise Ship Industry
- 16 February 2022
The cruise ship industry is set to safely return to Territory waters in a multi-million dollar boost to the local economy.
Based on expert health advice, the Chief Health Officer has updated a direction permitting expedition cruise ships with up to 350 passengers and crew to operate in the Northern Territory.
This is a significant increase on the previous cap of 150 passengers and crew.
The cruise ship industry is a key economic driver and generated an estimated $60 million of annual expenditure within the Territory pre-COVID.
This decision forms part of the staged re-opening of the cruise industry in the Territory, in line with public health advice.
The Territory Government is backing the tourism sector and businesses with a suite of measures including:
- $12.8 million to lure international holiday makers and workers to the Territory
- Domestic marketing campaigns including Seek Different and Summer Sale
- Securing deals with Qantas to extend the double-daily London-Darwin route and establishing an E190 aircraft base
Other support measures we have implemented include the Territory Tourism Vouchers, Tourism Survival Fund, Visitation Reliant Small Business Support, and a Mates Rates campaign for Central Australia.