Tuesday, 6 December 2016
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Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett today welcomed the US$1 billion vessel, its 4,606 passengers and 1,500 crew in Fremantle at a special ceremony featuring more than 100 local entertainers and performers. "It is an absolute honour to welcome this state-of-the-art cruise ship on her inaugural cruise to Australia," Mr Barnett said. "The ship boasts many world firsts such as the North Star observation capsule taking guests more than 90 metres above sea level, simulated skydiving and surfing, bumper cars and a bionic bar with robots that make drinks. "It truly is outstanding and I am positive all passengers will have a great time as they explore Fremantle and its extraordinary attractions." The State Government through Tourism Western Australia, the Cruise WA Committee and industry is implementing a plan to maximise economic benefits of cruise shipping to WA, and position the State as a desirable and capable cruise shipping destination. The Premier said cruise shipping was a vital part of the State's $9.6 billion tourism industry. "We have seen extraordinary growth in cruise shipping in WA in recent years, with more to come," he said. "Last financial year, the sector contributed $275 million to the State's economy and WA recorded 121 cruise ship visit days, a 19.8 per cent increase on the 101 visits in 2014-15. "Passenger numbers have also grown from 199,499 in 2014-15 to 224,409 in 2015-16. "Cruise shipping forms an important part of our overall strategy to increase the value of tourism in WA to $12 billion by 2020." Fact File
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