The Tasmanian cruise season has commenced with the first ship arriving in Hobart this morning.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, welcomed passengers and crew of the Celebrity Solstice to Tasmania, the first of 85 cruise ships scheduled to visit the State this season.
"It's terrific to see ships returning to our shores and bringing thousands of visitors eager to experience everything Tasmania has to offer," Minister Vincent said.
"The cruise season is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Tasmania, with more than 241,000 passengers and crew expected to visit the State between October and May.
"Cruise visits also give travellers a taste of what Tasmania has to offer, encouraging many to return for a longer stay and explore more of our beautiful island.
"It's part of our plan to grow Tasmania's visitor economy, support local jobs and help businesses make the most of the opportunities tourism brings."
The cruise season is an important part of the tourism industry, bringing travellers to Tasmania from all over the world.
"We want cruise tourism to deliver more value for Tasmania and deliver economic value across the State, minimise environmental impacts, maintain community support, and connect passengers with authentic Tasmanian experiences," Minister Vincent said.
"The better the experience, the more visitors want to explore. It's good for business and for the communities who welcome them."
