AIRLIE Beach Cruise Ship Ambassadors (pictured) founding member Judi Dunn is eagerly awaiting the return of the buzz of cruise visitors. Dunn has welcomed thousands of cruising guests to the Whitsundays over the past 17 years, and said it is unbelievable how quiet it is in Airlie Beach without the...
AIRLIE Beach Cruise Ship Ambassadors (pictured) founding member Judi Dunn is eagerly awaiting the return of the buzz of cruise visitors.
Dunn has welcomed thousands of cruising guests to the Whitsundays over the past 17 years, and said it is unbelievable how quiet it is in Airlie Beach without the more than 100,000 cruise passengers per year.
The warmth of the Ambassadors’ welcome has helped Airlie Beach become one of the most successful cruise destinations in Australia, and Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler said the loss of ships has significantly impacted the tourism industry and community.
“The Whitsundays is the most tourism reliant region in Queensland, our cruise ship volunteers and community love welcoming visitors to our backyard and showcasing the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“The last 18 months have been challenging but when the time comes we will be ready to welcome cruise ships back to Airlie Beach with open arms and with warm Whitsunday smiles.”
P&O Cruises Australia accounted for two-thirds of cruise ships visiting the region pre-pandemic, and the company’s President Sture Myrmell said the situation was a great example of why it is so important for federal and state governments to engage and agree to a pathway for the resumption of cruising.
