P&O Cruises boosts South Australia’s economy in 2024

Friday, March 8, 2024

P&O Cruises Australia is set to make a significant financial contribution of over $33 million to the South Australian economy, presenting residents with a unique vacationing alternative that doesn’t require air travel. With the Pacific Explorer stationed in Adelaide, the ship is anticipated to host upwards of 26,000 guests during various cruises scheduled for February, March, and December.

This move is not just about offering a memorable and easily accessible holiday choice to the locals but also about significantly benefiting the South Australian economy in 2024, with a $33 million boost. This financial uplift will positively affect tourism operators, food and beverage suppliers, and communities throughout the region.

Zoe Bettison, the Minister for Tourism, expressed enthusiasm for the Pacific Explorer’s return, highlighting its contribution to a thriving cruise season. She emphasized the cruise industry’s substantial $215 million yearly contribution to the South Australian economy, which supports over 700 local jobs and bolsters the tourism sector, underscoring the widespread benefits that accrue each time a cruise ship docks in the region.

Peter Little, Senior Vice President of P&O Cruises Australia, reiterated the company’s dedication to exclusively sourcing food and beverages from Australia, with South Australia playing a pivotal role in this strategy. Annually, the company invests close to $4 million in local produce from the region, including pork, onions, potatoes, and stone fruit, underlining the economic impact of its operations.

Little expressed excitement about the Pacific Explorer’s presence in Adelaide, offering locals the chance to enjoy a unique holiday experience. He detailed the various itineraries available in 2024, including 7-night cruises that take guests to Kangaroo Island, Hobart, and Melbourne, 4-night Southern getaway cruises to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, along with themed cruises for the 90’s and 80’s enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and vacationing ease.

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