NSW transport minister Jo Haylen has convened a panel of cruise industry experts, chaired by Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday, to identify the preferred location for a potential new cruise terminal in NSW.
The panel has been established to help the state government “determine the best solution” to plan for a new terminal, which would provide greater capacity for cruise activity.
While Sydney cruise terminals have not reached capacity for bookings yet, the panel intends to identify options for a future berthing facility to support long-term growth of the cruise industry in NSW.
The panel will also investigate options for increased capacity at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, as plans also progress to investigate options for a potential third cruise terminal. A proposal for a new terminal at Yarra Bay, near Port Botany, was ruled out in May last year.
Data released on Friday shows that cruise activity generated a record $4.41 billion in NSW in the 2023-24 cruise season, and the state is anticipating further growth.
“The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth,” Minister Haylen said.
“NSW’s next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure, and we have to get it right. That’s why we’ve assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future.”
Those people are:
- John McKenna, chief customer and commercial officer, Port Authority of NSW
- Margy Osmond, CEO, Tourism and Transport Forum
- Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports
- Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director in Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International
- Peter Little, interim leader, P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia
- Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
- Sarina Bratton, Ponant
- Joel Katz, managing director, Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
- Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
- Ben Angell, vice president and managing director, Norwegian Cruise Lines
Captain Holliday said Port Authority is delighted to be leading the cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new cruise terminal.
“Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion’s share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers,” he said.
And Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said it was fantastic to see the state government and industry come together to identify a third cruise terminal.
“We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise,” Ms Osmond said.
“Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more.”
