The Sydney Business Chamber says the latest report on the rise and rise of cruising as a holiday choice for Australians highlights why the vexed problem of cruise ship berths in Sydney must be solved.

“Annual figures released today from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) makes it clear that with Australia being the world hot spot for the growth of cruising, more cruise ships will be seeking a homeport for the cruise season, and Sydney, with constrained infrastructure, could miss out”, Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber said.

“Not only were more Australians cruising but Australia was a destination of choice for about 200,000 international passengers and it is this market in particular that could be at risk if the lack of berths remains unresolved.

“CLIA indicates that Sydney is at risk of losing its share of the cruise market if it cannot resolve the issue of limited berthing options for large cruise ships that cannot sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“If Sydney loses out, it will put at risk the emerging opportunities in the NSW regional ports of Newcastle, Eden and Port Kembla where many cruise ships visit as part of a visit to NSW waters.

“In the last decade major new cruise terminals have opened in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong and a number of Chinese cities and last week Brisbane announced it would build a new terminal, heightening the competition Sydney faces,” she said.

“A sharing of facilities with the Navy remains the ideal option for Sydney”, but Mrs Forsythe said, “It has not advanced under any government state or federal despite much talk for over a decade and Sydney needs a definite commitment about new cruise infrastructure.

“The Sydney Business Chamber has welcomed funding allocated in the Federal Budget towards a review of options, including at Botany Bay.

“Cruising plays a significant role in the visitor economy and must be encouraged and nurtured or Sydney is at risk of losing out to destinations that have adequate infrastructure to support the growth in cruise ship visits,” Mrs Forsythe said.