The first ever cruise vessel arrived at the Port of Dampier in the Pilbara yesterday, with approximately 80 passengers disembarking to visit local tourist attractions.
Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) facilitated the vessel arrival at the operational port, which is primarily used for the export of iron ore, LNG and salt.
PPA Chief Executive Officer Roger Johnston said it was fantastic to support the region by facilitating the visit.
“We recognise the economic and social benefits of increasing tourism to the region, and as part of our commitment to supporting Pilbara communities we are proud to welcome cruise vessels to our ports,” Mr Johnston said.
“We hope to see the industry grow in future years, which will be supported by the proposed construction of the multi-user Dampier Bulk Handling Facility that will provide additional capacity for cruise vessels at the Port of Dampier.”
Passengers visited the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, which was recently submitted for World Heritage List nomination, and the Red Dog Memorial Statue.
The vessel is expected to visit other regional locations on Western Australia’s coast, including Broome, Geraldton, and Shark Bay.
“We look forward to welcoming back the MS Caledonian Sky to Dampier in the coming weeks, as part of its program of Western Australian coastline expeditions,” Mr Johnston added.
The cruise industry contributed an estimated $261.9 million to the WA economy in 2018-19 and supported more than 930 jobs.