The Australian economy was nearly a billion dollars better off thanks to a big year in the cruise ship industry.

In the 2009/10 financial year, the industry was worth $816.2 million, an increase of 11.9%, according to a report commissioned by Cruise Down Under.


Despite the number of cruise ships to Australia dropping from 38 to 34, the number of visits to our ports increase from 521 to 583. Passenger spending also rose by $38 million to $261 million.


Cruise Down Under general manager Jill Abel said Queensland was one of the states that recorded the largest growth.


“The findings reveal a positive growth trend for the cruise industry despite the extremely challenging global economic environment,” she said.


Managing Director of tourismportdouglas.com.au, Sam Cullen, said the cruise ship industry creates a multi-level economic benefit for Port Douglas.


"The immediate benefits are the daily spend the visiting passengers make in local tours, transport, retail and restaurant sectors.  And future benefits are realised when passengers return to the destination for a longer stay.


"Accommodation feedback is saying there's a substantial increase in former cruise ship guests coming back to Port Douglas. And as has been experienced in other internationally renowned destinations, the cruise ships will also pave the way for the luxury yacht market.


"It's important that all these benefits are taken into consideration when calculating the benefit and in turn the investment we as a town should make with regard to this industry growth."


tourismportdouglas.com.au, in conjunction with Meridien Marinas, and with the support of the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce and TPDD, have redefined the town's strategy to cruise ships from purely immediate returns, to long term economic returns.