The new free Sydney Travel Guide was launched today, just in time for the start of the summer cruise season.

The launch this week came as the industry celebrated an anticipated record number of ships and port calls for the Australia/New Zealand market.

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia revealed new statistics showing the local cruise sector contributed $5.63 billion in economic output to the nation in its first full year of operation after bouncing back from COVID-19. 

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the economic impact from cruise tourism last financial year was the highest ever recorded in Australia.

“Cruising returned to Australia much later than other parts of the world, but the ships have been resoundingly welcomed by cruise fans who have been heading back to sea in huge numbers,” said Mr Katz said.

NSW received the biggest chunk of the financial boost from cruising with a total economic impact of $2.75 billion, or 48.8 per cent of the national share, with the industry providing 8908 full-time equivalent jobs in the state. Industry figures say the news could get even better for NSW, with the state government dropping outdated Covid-19 vaccination requirements earlier this year.

The new guide, from the team at Cruisepassenger.com.au, will help businesses access cruise guests by telling them what’s available close to their cruise port.

It will be available to more than 1.2 million guests disembarking at both the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay Passenger Terminal in Sydney.

The Sydney Travel Guide is available at the exit to both passenger terminal.

The guide, which includes maps, a Top 10 Sydney hotspots for tourists, plus the ideal places to visit, top shopping spots, and the best places to eat and drink, will be the essential guide for tourists disembarking this cruise season. 

The launch of Sydney Travel Guide coincided with the launch of Summer Cruise Season by NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, CLIA  managing director Joel Katz and Port Authority of NSW CEO Phil Holliday at Circular Quay.

“I think it’s a very valuable asset,” said Mr Holliday. “There are plenty of people who arrive in Sydney who have a broad idea of what they want to do but they don’t have the details. This will help fill the gap, so that’s why we are here to support that.”

Cruisepassenger.com.au and Cruise&Travel magazine publisher Peter Lynch said: “As Australasia’s leading cross-platform content agency for cruise, we immediately saw the need for a good quality guide and digital products to help cruise and other tourists navigate Sydney.

“The return of tourism is a marvellous opportunity for Sydney businesses, and this guide will help them access the $5 billion worth of spending and over one million passengers expected this season.

“It’s a win-win for visitors, the city and its tourism, hospitality and retail businesses. We expect to be city-wide in the next few weeks and will be able to service every area of tourism, from the airport to Western Sydney and beyond.”

The new Sydney Travel Guide was welcomed as an essential addition to the cruise industry in NSW which is expected to be a record-breaking year.

Mr Katz said: “The 100-page guide launched by Big Splash Media and Cruise&Travel magazine in partnership with the Port Authority of NSW to coincide with #CruiseMonth, and the start of the summer cruise season, is an incredible free resource that supports tourism businesses and the more than one million cruise tourists who visit Sydney and NSW each year by cruise ship.

“Cruise tourism delivers more than $2.7B of economic activity deep into the NSW economy and supports around 9000 NSW jobs, and the Sydney Travel Guide and website will help local businesses present their products and services to cruise visitors and crew looking to spend their money locally. Congratulations to Big Splash Media and all the advertisers.”

Transport Minister Jon Haylen said the guide would add to the Sydney experience.

“We know that coming into Sydney and experiencing Sydney, and waking up to views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge,” Ms Haylen said. “People dream of this opportunity and Sydney is the gateway for cruising in our country. NSW will continue to benefit and this year will be bigger than ever.”

Experts are confident the next year could be even better for the state’s cruise industry.

“This is great, just what I need,” said US visitor Bob as he stepped into the sunshine with the Sydney Travel Guide in hand at Circular Quay.

Sydney’s volunteer travel guides were also keen to get their hands on the new guide.