Sunshine Coast ready to ride new wave of tourism as first of four cruise ships set to stop over
A signature Sunshine Coast welcome awaits passengers from P&O cruise ship ‘Pacific Pearl’ when they arrive at Mooloolaba on Saturday, 18 July.
The 64,000 tonne superliner is the first of four cruise ships that will make stopovers here this year and Sunshine Coast Acting Mayor Cr Chris Thompson said the 1,800 passengers on board would be given every opportunity to discover the many attractions of Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast.
“From the moment passengers arrive on shore they’ll be welcomed with open arms, including opportunities to have their photo taken with some signature surfboards that are iconic to the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“These boards have been designed by local company ADFX and there will be volunteers taking them around Mooloolaba and encouraging passengers to take photos and upload them to social media to share their Sunshine Coast experience with the world.”
“We have first class tourist attractions and hospitality here on the Sunshine Coast like the Eumundi Markets, Australia Zoo, the fantastic hinterland and of course our magnificent beaches and towns right up and down the coast.
“When passengers come ashore they’ll be looking to experience as many of these attractions as they can. Statistics show that 30% of cruise ship passengers return to places they visit so this is a terrific chance for our region to make a lasting impression.”
“I encourage all locals to extend a warm welcome to our cruise ship visitors over the weekend and if you can, head down to Mooloolaba and take a look at the Pacific Pearl anchored offshore because it’s an awesome sight!”
Mooloolaba Business and Tourism (a combination of the local Chamber of Commerce and tourism marketing organisations for Mooloolaba) is also gearing up for the arrivals and will be handing out ‘Mooloolaba Passports’ to cruise ship passengers as they arrive.
“These passports will feature information about Mooloolaba and special offers for cruise ship guests to really help them make the most of their stopover here and ensure their Mooloolaba experience is a memorable one,” Mooloolaba Business and Tourism President Peter Foran said.
“More than 70 local businesses in and around Mooloolaba have registered on this tourist passport so our business community is ready and raring and passengers will have a wealth of options for fantastic specials once they come ashore.”
The Pacific Pearl’s planned visit to Mooloolaba has been made possible by the active support and encouragement of Sunshine Coast Council.
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