Industry generated AUS$3. 2 billion in 2013, says CLIA report
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Australia’s cruise industry generated AUS$3.2 billion in 2013, according to a study commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.
Earlier this year, CLIA reported that Australia was the world’s fastest growing cruise source market, with passenger numbers increasing by 20% to reach a record 833,348 in 2013 and a population penetration rate of 3.6%. Last year, cruise ship calls totalled 746, marking an 11% rise from 2012, while passenger port visit days grew by 22% to reach 1.95 million days.
The new study, carried out by Business Research & Economic Advisors, indicated that the rise in calls and passenger traffic has helped to boost the country’s economy.
“This is the first independent report to draw on cruise line data and passenger surveys to show us how much cruise lines, passengers and crew spend across the country,” said Gavin Smith, CLIA Australasia chairman. “It’s a valuable snapshot which should demonstrate to governments and businesses around the country the enormous value that every cruise ship brings to their local economy.”
In 2013, direct expenditure by passengers, crew and cruise lines totalled AUS$1.72 billion, and indirect and induced economic output accounted for the remaining AUS$1.49 billion. In addition the cruise industry generated AUS$1.59 billion in value added contribution and a total of AUS$940 million in wages for more then 14,000 employees located across Australia. New South Wales accounted for 75% of the national economic contribution by the cruise industry, Queensland 15% and Victoria 5%.
In total, passengers spent AUS$724 million. While domestic guests accounted for 77% of this total figure and international travellers for 23%, their purchasing habits varied. International passengers spent a daily average of AUS$756 on accommodation, shopping, dining and transport before embarking on their cruise, and AUS$204 a day on shopping and shore excursions during port calls. Australian travellers spent an average of AUS$450 a day before boarding their ships and AUS$156 a day in destinations.
Sydney, Fremantle and Melbourne topped the list in terms of highest daily spend for international passengers pre-cruise, with figures reaching AUS$762, AUS$669 and AUS$612 respectively. Cairns attracted the highest spend from both international passengers and domestic passengers during a cruise, which reached AUS$366 and AUS$187 respectively.
Crew spent an average of $104 on dining, shopping and more while in Australian ports, adding to a total of AUS$29.6 million.
Meanwhile, operators’ direct expenditure amounted to AUS$963 million, which included AUS$276 million on fuel, AUS$143 million on food and beverage, AUS$121 million on travel agent commissions and AUS$97.5 million on port charges.