CRUISE ships, business travel and major events will help save Australia's tourism industry, which is struggling as a result of the strong Australian dollar, a conference heard yesterday.
Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said the booming cruising market was the "shining light" of tourism in Australia, but the Government needed to do more to improve infrastructure.
Industry experts were concerned that many of the large, new cruise ships cannot fit under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Carnival Australia CEO said Cairns had bid for money to build a cruise ship terminal, but the port was not dredged and is too shallow for ships to get in.
While the strong Australian dollar was a disadvantage for local tourism, shadow treasurer Joe Hockey told the Outlook2011 hotel and tourism industry conference it also provided opportunities.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/cruise-ships-may-save-the-tourism-industry-if-only-theyd-fit-under-that-bridge/story-e6frfq80-1226049342321#ixzz1LPjqGIUD
