Shute Harbour Marine Terminal has become a welcome additional access point for a vibrant industry which regularly sees between 50 and 60 cruise ships a year bringing their passengers to Airlie Beach.
Contributing around $10 million to the local economy, Shute Harbour is now perfectly poised to help with the growth of this sector.
Chief Operating Officer of Aviation and Tourism for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner, said that the Council owned facility is focusing on attracting new cruise ship businesses.
“These cruise ship companies have never been here before, they are brand new to the region,” he said.
“There will be days when there are two to three cruise ships arriving in the Whitsundays and we are adding opportunities to the destination.”
Negotiations have been taking place for almost four years, and Mr Turner said he is thrilled to report that 20 cruise ships will be bringing passengers to Shute Harbour from now until June 2023.
“This is another step forward on our recovery from COVID,” he said.
“Every visit gives passengers a site inspection of the Whitsundays – they can touch, feel and have a little taste of what we offer which is better than a brochure and hopefully encourages them to return.”
On Wednesday passengers were greeted with live music, market stalls and food vans as they disembarked at the brand-new Shute Harbour facility.
Mayor Julie Hall attended the opening and spent time talking with representatives from the cruise ship.
“I am so excited to welcome the first ever cruise ship, Celebrity Eclipse, to the new Shute Harbour Marine Terminal,” she said.
“The safe return of cruises is an important milestone in our region’s economic recovery and the revitalization of the tourism and hospitality sectors.”
Celebrity Eclipse arrived at Shute Harbour on Wednesday bringing 2900 passengers ashore
Cruise Ship Ambassadors Brian Richardson, Whitsunday Regional Council representative Brooklyn Clarke, Cruise Ships Ambassadors Lyn Blanche Woodham and Eddie Bennett
