TASPORTS is preparing to welcome cruise ships back to its ports following the state premier’s announcement that Tasmania will reopen to cruising.
Premier and minister for health Jeremy Rockliff announced on Wednesday that the state would gradually step down a number of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions in the coming weeks.
Mr Rockliff said the easing of restrictions around cruise activity would be a welcome boost to local businesses and the economy.
“Large cruise ships will once again be welcomed back to our shores, with cruise ship visits to Tasmania anticipated to commence with the next cruise season in October 2022,” Mr Rockliff said in a statement.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the state’s ports stand ready to receive cruise ships in the coming cruise season.
“TasPorts is a strong supporter of cruise ship visits to the state,” Mr Donald said.
“Their return will provide a major boost to the Tasmanian visitor economy particularly in areas outside our major cities which have traditionally attracted cruise ship visitors.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts has begun engaging with cruise lines to confirm itineraries for the 2022-23 season.
“There is already interest in our traditional cruise ship ports – Hobart, Burnie and Port Arthur – as well as other ports across the state,” he said.
Mr Donald said the cruise ship industry is overall an important part of and contributor to the state’s visitor economy.
“We are very pleased about [Wednesday’s] announcement and look forward to welcoming these vessels back to Tasmanian ports,” he said.
