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Tourism

Hunter and Central Coast Councils Pool Funds to Hire Cruise Coordinator

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new agreement between the Port Authority, local councils, and tourism operators has resulted in the joint funding of a part-time cruise coordinator to link the region's cruise-liner visitor economy to local experiences. The coordinator will be ostensibly employed by Destination Sydney Surrounds North, but will be jointly funded by the signatories to the memorandum of understanding. The Port of Newcastle is expecting eight cruise visits in the summer season this year and 19 more between 2026 and 2027.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eight cruise visits are expected at the Port of Newcastle in the summer season this year, with 19 more visits expected between 2026 and 2027.
  • The joint funding of a part-time cruise coordinator will bridge the gap between cruise companies and local sights, making the Hunter a more attractive port of call.
  • The coordinator will support local tourism operators to develop and grow their business and capitalise on the growing cruise market.
  • Lake Macquarie City Council sees this as an opportunity for local businesses to welcome cruise ship day trip visitors and capitalise on the potential for thousands more visitors to flow through the port.
  • The Port of Newcastle was previously considering becoming the state's second cruise ship terminal but is now focused on cargo business.
  • The new position is reminiscent of a now-defunct position that offered providers and local vendors a point of contact with the cruise industry.
  • The agreement is the "natural next step" following the Port Authority's planned expansion of cruise into Newcastle Harbour through a new 10-year licence agreement with Port of Newcastle.

Statistics:

  • Eight cruise visits are expected at the Port of Newcastle in the summer season this year.
  • 19 cruise visits are expected at the Port of Newcastle between 2026 and 2027.
  • The Port of Eden is expecting 30 cruise visits this year alone.
  • The Port of Newcastle recognises the economic benefit of trade in clean energy, containers, and passenger vehicle imports.

Sources:

  • Newcastle Herald (October): "Port of Newcastle rules out second cruise ship terminal"
  • Destination Sydney Surrounds North (no date): no information on the employer
  • Hunter Travel Group (no date): no specific information on the group
  • Lake Macquarie City Council (no date): "example of the collaborative approach"

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