The Australian Cruise Association, representatives from cruise liners Carnival Australia and Silversea Cruises, Tourism NT, Tourism Top End and over 100 local businesses came together for the annual Territory Cruise Forum held at the Vibe Hotel in Darwin earlier this week.
The 2024 Territory Cruise Forum explored the sea of opportunity within the Territory's cruise sector with presentations from the Australian Cruise Association, Carnival Australia, Silversea Cruises and inbound operators specialising in shore excursions and cruise itineraries.
Attendees gained insights from industry experts and had the opportunity to connect and present their products directly with cruise lines and their shore excursion providers.
The geographic location of the Top End and our close proximity to Asia makes Darwin an ideal Australian gateway port for visiting international cruise ships with Darwin enjoying year-round cruise activity.
During the main cruise season of October to March, Darwin welcomes many of the larger cruise ships with April to September seeing a number of smaller luxury expedition cruise ships using Darwin as a base to explore the remote Northern Australian coastline.
The Pacific Explorer will return to Darwin this Sunday for the second time this season bringing over 2,900 passengers and crew who will have the chance to spend the day exploring Darwin City and further afield to the Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Litchfield National Park and Darwin military tours.
The Territory has had its largest cruise season yet, with more than 100 ships docking in Darwin over the last 12 months.
The Territory's cruise industry is worth over $65 million to the local economy annually, creating jobs and supporting local tour operators, retailers and the hospitality industry.
To view upcoming cruise ship arrivals head to https://portinfo.darwinport.com.au/webx/# here or to learn more about the NT Cruise Tourism Strategy visit tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies here
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:
"We know our cruise industry plays an important role in the Territory's tourism industry, contributing over $65 million to the economy this year, and we will continue to market and develop Darwin as a distinctive cruise destination.
"The annual Territory Cruise Forum provides local tourism operators and businesses with the opportunity to connect with tourism industry leaders and take advantage of our growing cruise sector.
"We want to amplify what an amazing place the Territory is to potential cruisers around the world, support our tourism, hospitality and retail businesses and continue to create work for Territorians.
Quotes attributable to Jill Abel, CEO of Australian Cruise Association:
"What a successful event it was and how spreading the knowledge with local businesses and stakeholders is vital in growing the economic benefits to the region.
"Cruise continues to grow as an important part of the visitor economy in the Northern Territory and Australian Cruise Association is pleased to play its part in this growth."
