A new industry coalition has been launched to highlight the broad economic contribution of cruise tourism across Australia, bringing together representatives from agriculture, tourism, ports, travel and hospitality under the Australian Paddock to Port Alliance.
The alliance has been established to demonstrate how cruise tourism supports businesses well beyond the waterfront, with a new economic report showing the sector contributes more than $7.3 billion annually to the Australian economy and supports more than 22,000 jobs.
New campaign highlights cruise’s national supply chain
The Australian Paddock to Port Alliance brings together farmers, food producers, tourism operators, travel agents, ports and cruise industry representatives to showcase the economic ecosystem behind every cruise ship visit.
According to the report, cruise lines spend around $1.5 billion each year with Australian suppliers, while passengers contribute a further $1.8 billion through accommodation, dining, transport, retail and shore excursions. Cruise activity also benefits regional communities, with ships visiting 56 Australian ports and destinations during the 2024–25 season.
Industry calls for stronger policy support
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said cruise tourism was far more than ships and passengers.
“Cruise is more than ships. It is an Australian economic ecosystem that supports businesses, jobs and communities across the country,” Katz said.
He said Australia needed more competitive policy settings to attract cruise deployment, warning the country risked losing business to competing destinations despite strong demand from Australian travellers.
National Farmers’ Federation CEO Michael Guerin said cruise created valuable opportunities for Australian food producers, while Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond described the sector as “a whole-of-economy issue” that delivers benefits across multiple industries.
The alliance will advocate for policy settings that encourage greater cruise activity while promoting the industry’s contribution to jobs, regional economies and Australian businesses.
