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According to a research presented at the launch of Assessment of the Economic Impact of Cruising to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Cruise Tourism could grow five-fold, from $0.6 million to $3.3 million by 2017.
The study, commissioned by the Australian Government, World Bank Group member IFC and Carnival Australia, looked at the Solomon Islands main port, Honiara and Papua New Guinea’s main ports. The study identifies a number of opportunities and investments to improve cruise tourism development and capitalise further on the growing sector.
Following a similar study in Vanuatu in 2014 where 237 cruise ships bring $34 million annually, Solomon Islands’ Minister of Tourism, Bartholomew Parapolo asserted, “Having this data, for the first time, highlights the importance and potential of cruise tourism, while also identifying much needed opportunities for Government to address in the growing sector. Learning from Vanuatu’s success, Solomon Islands is keen to reap similar benefits and this report helps identify where the correct investment should be made into the sector.”
Through its cruise brands P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, Carnival Australia will have six ships visit the Solomon Islands this year, a three-fold increase from last year.
Source: travelnewsdigest.in
