TasPorts welcomes Queen Elizabeth as first cruise ship of the season to Burnie

The 2024-25 cruise season has officially commenced at the Port of Burnie with the arrival of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, the first of 16 cruise ships scheduled to visit the region this season.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald highlighted the important role cruise tourism plays in supporting Tasmania’s economy. “Cruise vessels contribute significantly to key sectors such as hospitality, tourism, transport, and retail, bringing direct benefits to local businesses and communities,” Mr Donald said.

“With each visit, cruise passengers contribute to the region’s economy through spending on food and beverages, local tours, transport, and entertainment, supporting the small businesses that make the North-West Coast such a great destination,” he said.

Tasmania’s cruise tourism sector continues to grow, with total economic output rising to $176 million and supporting 542 jobs statewide in 2023-24. Burnie remains a key destination for cruise operators and visitors alike.

“TasPorts remains committed to actively marketing Tasmania as a cruise destination, we are working closely with Tourism Tasmania and the broader tourism industry to attract more cruise visits and deliver ongoing benefits for regional communities.” Mr Donald explained.”

TasPorts continues to champion Tasmania’s cruise sector, investing in infrastructure and operational excellence to ensure cruise operators and passengers have a world-class experience in Tasmanian ports.

The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth today underscores Burnie’s appeal as a cruise destination and signals the start of another exciting season for the region. TasPorts looks forward to welcoming more ships and visitors in the months ahead.