Norwegian Jewel has become the first cruise ship to return to the port of Eden of NSW following the devastating bushfires in the region. The ship and her passengers were greeted by emergency services volunteers, local community and members of the tourism industry, underlining the message that the NSW South Coast is open for business, with the tourism industry taking its first steps on the road to recovery.
Some 2,000 guests will visit Eden and its surrounding areas on a series of tours and shore excursions, with Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, on-ground to meet and thank local emergency service volunteers for their efforts and welcome Norwegian Jewel’s guests keen to support the NSW South Coast tourism economy.
“It is important to convey the message to the world that Australia is ready to welcome visitors. The cruise industry has become a key contributor to this region’s tourism economy in recent years, and we’ve no doubt that locals are eager to welcome visitors to eat, drink, shop and explore Eden and its surrounds,” said Mr Angell.
“Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to supporting regional ports and local businesses, highlighted by our parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ recent $250,000 donation to support the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund,” added Mr Angell. “NCL is dedicated to supporting the local tourism economy, not just on this first visit to Eden, but across our Australian itineraries throughout 2020 and beyond.’”
Norwegian Jewel is currently undertaking her third sailing season in Australia and New Zealand visiting Australian ports of call including Eden, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Burnie, bringing around 20,000 tourists to local ports over eight itineraries.
IMAGE: Norwegian Jewel visits Eden, NSW.
L-R: NSW Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres; Norwegian Jewel Captain, Giorgio Voussolinos; Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Kristy McBain; local wildlife mascot; CEO and Director, Port Authority of NSW – Phillip Holliday; Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager – Natalie Godward; CLIA, Communications Director, Jon Murrie; Norwegian Cruise Line, Vice President and Managing Director, APAC, Ben Angell; Tourism Transport Forum, CEO, Margy Osmond.
Courtesy DoubleTake Photographics
