BAC welcomes cruise terminal announcement
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) welcomes the State Government’s decision to move to the next phase of the Port of Brisbane’s market-led proposal to build a new cruise terminal near the mouth of the Brisbane River.
“I extend my congratulations to the State Government on today’s announcement to commence detailed planning for the proposed cruise terminal.
This important project will provide real momentum in growing the State’s primacy in the international and domestic visitor economy,” said Ms Julieanne Alroe, BAC CEO and Managing Director.
“Brisbane’s role as a hub for generating visitor growth and driving on-travel into regional areas should not be underestimated. It’s vital for the future of Queensland that we’re able to offer the market not only its natural attractions, but also a sophisticated urban experience,” she said.
In the National Trade accounts published last week, inbound tourism is the best performing area of service exports – income from foreign tourists now matches Australia’s total rural exports; it is a major growth sector and it is also labour intensive.
“As the major gateway to Queensland, Brisbane Airport currently welcomes more than 22 million travellers a year with passenger numbers forecast to more than double by 2034,” Ms Alroe said.
“The addition of the cruise terminal will provide significant pre and post-cruise economic benefits and opportunities.
“Brisbane Airport also welcomes Star’s announcement to commence the planning process for a potential new hotel tower at the Jupiters Integrated Resort on the Gold Coast.
These new products enhance the whole experience and will allow Queensland to stay competitive in the sophisticated global tourism market.
“These private and public infrastructure investments including our own New Parallel Runway and the Queens Wharf Development will ensure Queensland has the infrastructure necessary to support the growing numbers of international and domestic visitors to our State, providing further tourism and economic benefit.
“South East Queensland is definitely the hub and driver of tourism growth state wide,” Ms Alroe added.
Brisbane Airport is currently in the most exciting phase of its history with more than $3.8 billion privately invested over the next decade to build critical infrastructure throughout the airport precinct highlighted by the new parallel runway.
Two new hotels and a convention centre located near the Domestic Terminal are also underway for completion mid-2017.