Cruise tourism in Australia has soared to unprecedented levels, contributing A$8.43 billion to the national economy in 2023-24—a 49.7 per cent increase over the previous year.
An economic impact assessment by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) highlights this resurgence, driven by increased passenger spending and cruise line outlays.
The industry supported 26,370 full-time equivalent jobs, with total wages of A$2.83 billion, up 55.8 per cent.
Costa Luminosa cruise ship docked at Sydney International Passenger Terminal ready to depart for the next cruise.(iStock – moisseyev)
Key Growth Drivers
Joel Katz, CLIA’s Managing Director in Australasia, praised the booming industry but warned of future risks posed by rising costs and regulatory complexities.
“Cruise tourism is thriving and passengers have been spending more when they step on shore, creating a record benefit for communities around the Australian coast,” Katz said.
“The number of Australians who benefit from cruise tourism is huge, from the travel agents who manage the passengers’ bookings through to the farmers who provide the local produce served on board.”
“The value to the local economy is enormous, but the deployment of ships to this region is at risk of decline while Australia remains one of the world’s most expensive destinations for cruise lines. Rising fees and charges have combined with a complex regulatory environment, which reduces Australia’s competitiveness.”
Jill Abel, CEO of the ACA, highlighted that cruise ships made 1,650 visits to 49 ports across Australia during the year, resulting in 4.26 million passenger visit days—up 26.9 per cent from the previous year.
“The result is an enormous windfall for businesses like tourism operators, hotels and restaurants, retailers, transport providers and port operators,” she said.
“In addition, passengers often return to destinations they initially discovered on a cruise, which creates added benefits for communities in the longer term.”
Report Findings
- Total Economic Output: A$8.43 billion (up 49.7 per cent from 2022-23), including A$3.38 billion in direct and A$5.05 billion in indirect output.
- Employment: 26,370 full-time jobs (up 44.7 per cent), with A$2.83 billion in wages (up 55.8 per cent).
Passenger Spend: A$1.94 billion in direct passenger expenditure (up 29.6 per cent), with passengers spending A$455 per day on shore. - Cruise Line Spend: A$1.59 billion, including A$350.7 million paid to ports and governments.
State-by-State Impact - New South Wales saw the greatest economic benefit with A$4.41 billion, supporting 13,714 jobs. Queensland followed with A$2.41 billion and 7,733 jobs. Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory also saw significant gains.
Future Challenges
While the economic impact of cruise tourism is undeniable, Katz underscored the need to address rising operational costs and regulatory hurdles that could reduce Australia’s appeal to cruise lines. Nonetheless, the industry remains a key contributor to the nation’s economy, benefiting diverse sectors from hospitality to retail, with future growth likely to continue if challenges are mitigated.
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