Victoria’s visitor economy is set to take a hit as major cruise liners bypass Melbourne because of the Allan Government’s increase in port fees.
From 1 January 2024, a range of port and wharfage fees are set to rise by 15 per cent, adding significant costs to cruise ship operators and customers.
As a consequence, two major cruise ship companies,Cunard and Princess Cruises,will cease home porting and redeploy capacity originally planned for Melbourne from the 2025-26 cruise season.
In 2023-24,Cunard and Princess Cruises are expected to visit Melbourne a total of 23 times, bringing 65,000 visitors and generating tens of millions of dollars of economic activity for Victoria.
Other cruise ship brands, includingP&O Cruises Australia, are also assessing the viability of home porting in Melbourne.
Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell, said: “Under Labor, Victoria is broke and the Allan Government’s taxes and charges are driving visitors and businesses interstate.
“Labor has neglected Station Pier, failing to keep it up to world standard, and now all Victorians will be disadvantaged.
“With cruise liners relocating, families with children or the elderly will now have the added expense of flying interstate and for some people this is just not feasible.”
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events, Sam Groth said: “Cruise ship docking in Melbourne brings thousands of tourists to Victoria and delivers significant economic benefits for the state, in particular for local business.
“The Allan Government damaged our reputation as a major events destination with the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, and this announcement is just another blow to Victorian tourism and jobs.
“Once again, hardworking Victorians are being punished for the incompetence of the Allan Government.”
