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New South Wales’ position as Australia’s leading cruise destination is highlighted in a new industry brochure unveiled today.

Cruise Sydney & New South Wales – Along the Blue Highway profiles NSW’s nine cruise-ready ports highlighting key attractions and port parameters.

The brochure was developed by tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and the Port Authority in response to the Government’s Cruise Development Plan and was unveiled at the Australian Cruise Association Conference today.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the state’s ports and port cities offer striking natural beauty and unique experiences for all visitors.

“Sydney continues to be Australia’s cruise gateway, and one of the world’s most beautiful destinations with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and pristine beaches,” Minister Ayres said.

“Sydney was named best cruise destination in Australia and New Zealand in the 2018 Cruiser’s Choice Destination Awards, which is based on passenger reviews. Cruise continues to be an important contributor to the NSW Government’s visitor economy target to triple overnight expenditure by 2030.”

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NSW’s ports were well equipped to manage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing world class facilities to support our growing cruise industry, and soon we will see new gangways at our busiest passenger port – the Overseas Passenger Terminal,” Minister Constance said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the brochure would be an important tool to attract new vessels and build on existing relationships with the global cruise industry.

“We are always looking for new opportunities to expand NSW’s relationships with the cruise industry. Latest industry data shows that NSW received 371 cruise ships of more than 100 passengers in 2017-18 financial year,” Ms Chipchase said.

“The brochure outlines NSW’s unique and standout offerings for passengers and cruise companies to consider when planning travel to our state.”