A federal government decision to extend the restriction of cruise ships in Australian waters until March 21 is being seen by Cruise Wollongong chair Leigh Colacino as a time for the Illawarra to put up its hand and remind the industry it is proven destination.
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Cr Colacino said the timing was pretty much what he expected.
He knows no-one wanted to make a mistake and restart too early.
But when the time was right he said it was important Wollongong was front of mind after proving itself in 2016 and earning a reputation as a welcoming city with plenty to see and do for cruise ship visitors.
Cr Colacino said Wollongong increased its reputation as a warm friendly welcoming city when the Ruby Princess was docked at Port Kembla at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said after the first visit by Radiance of the Seas the city fine-tuned its procedures for welcoming cruise ship passengers.
"Now with the clock being reset and restarted, possibly in March, we are on equal footing with every other port," Cr Colacino said.
"We have shown we are really good at looking after the ships. And cruise lines know their passengers are safe and happy when they come on shore."
Cr Colacino said during the last six months he had kept reminding cruise lines how good Wollongong was as a destination and how it was waiting to welcome more ships and visitors.
He is encouraging business people, tourist operators and the local community to be vocal about Wollongong being ready.
He said attractions such as Symbio had shown how they had good COVID-safe practices in place.
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said it was a perfect time for the city to put its hand up again.
"They are looking for COVID responsible destinations that want to welcome people back. And Wollongong is completely ready to go again," he said.
"One of the great things we have in our favour is the wonderful way our businesses have adapted to the challenges of operating during COVID. Businesses have operated responsibly and the community has engaged responsibly.
"The cruise industry is looking for responsible destinations that have operated in a COVID-safe manner so they can bring their guests into a safe environment."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
