TWO cruise ships are making return visits to Geelong this month in a strong show of support for Geelong and the region\u2019s tourism attractions.<\/p>\n
Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons said the visits were further proof of the need for Geelong to have a new pier with dedicated cruise ship facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news for Geelong and will bring a big economic boost to our region.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just shows what could be possible if we had a new pier at Yarra Street.\u201d<\/p>\n
\ue003Seabourn Odyssey, which docked last week with 450 passengers and 330 crew.<\/p>\n
Later this month will be the larger Marina, with 1,250 passengers and 800 crew.<\/p>\n
Both of these ships are returning to Geelong after visiting in 2015.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeelong is clearly on the radar of the cruise industry,\u201d Cr Lyons said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of these visitors will be excited to spend their time exploring Geelong, the Bellarine and the region sampling the best of our restaurants, cafes, food and wine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Lyons said an independent business case in 2014 had shown that Geelong could attract 25 cruise ships a year if a dedicated cruise ship terminal was built.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cruise industry is tourism\u2019s fastest growing sector and it is worth more than $3.6 billion in Australia alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cA dedicated terminal on a new Yarra Street pier region each year and would help secure a larger cruising market.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would also improve access to the water, support major events and enhance other recreation, economic and tourism opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TWO cruise ships are making return visits to Geelong this month in a strong show of support for Geelong and the region\u2019s tourism attractions. Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons said the visits were further proof of the need for Geelong to have a new pier with dedicated cruise ship facilities. \u201cThis is great news for Geelong […]<\/p>\n