Eden welcomed its first cruise ship of 2020 today – the 2,000 passenger Norwegian Jewel – marking a step forward in the recovery of NSW’s South Coast.
The popular tourist destination was closed to cruise ships earlier this month while fires were active in the area, but as of today all nine of NSW’s cruise ports are open for business.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said today’s arrival is a vote of confidence by international tourism operators in NSW as it recovers from the bushfires.
“Tourism is undoubtedly the lifeblood of so many regional NSW communities like Eden, as local businesses rely on the income that comes from visitors who drop in for a day, a weekend or longer,” Mr Ayres said.
“After such heartbreaking scenes across NSW and the country, and some fires still threatening part of the state, it is fantastic to see 2,000 people arrive here on the South Coast to give the area a much-needed boost.
“Regional NSW needs our help now more than ever, and visitors provide these communities with immediate and long-lasting support. We need everyone to book a weekend in regional NSW now, and enjoy a getaway that gives back.”
Eden hosted 15 cruise ships and four maiden voyages in the 2018-19 cruise season, and anticipated 22 arrivals in the current season, with fires diverting two berths.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director Australasia Joel Katz said the arrival of Norwegian Jewel in Eden is proof of the resilience of regional communities and tourism operators.
“More than 60 cruise ships will call on Australian ports over the current summer season and the fact they are all continuing to operate as scheduled will help lift confidence in many parts of the tourism industry,” Mr Katz said.
