Tasports or the Tasmanian Ports Corp has given confirmation to the news of their plans for a brand new cruise passenger terminal at Tasmania, a first for the island. Plans are afoot for the redevelopment of the Macquarie Wharf Shed # 2, as a facility dedicated for cruise ships and Antarctic expeditions. The shed is currently acting as a cruise transit facility. Tasports will commence construction of the terminal after the cruise season of 2011-12.
The upward trend experienced by the cruise tourism industry in Australia is one of the main reasons for the new facility being announced. Tasmania is a strategic location for a port of this kind, as it is positioned between New Zealand and Australia.
In addition, it is convenient for round the world and any domestic cruises as well. Hobart is considered a marquee port, and the down town location of the cruise berth is one of its main attractions. This was part of a statement given by Karen Rees, Tasports’ segment marketing manager.
Tasports has announced the new facility after consulting with industry organizations, so that the project gets the right out comes for cruise lines, services providers, tourism operators and cruise passengers. Cruise Down Under, a cruise industry association of Australia had studied the economic impact of the project and it forecasted enormous economic benefits to the Hobart region. They predicted benefits to the tune of AUD 12.4 million which is approximately US$ 13 million.