5/2/04
A new state-of-the-art luxury adventure cruise ship to boost Kimberley tourism has been launched today by the Premier Geoff Gallop.
North Star Cruises’ new $12million vessel, True North, will cater to up to 36 luxury cruise tourists keen to enjoy a breathtaking and unique adventure holiday.
The 50m ship was built in Western Australia by Image Marine (a division of Austal Ships) and features its own onboard helicopter, allowing visitors to access some of the Kimberley’s most remote tourism experiences.
Dr Gallop said the new ship would provide a stylish way to enjoy some wonderful tourism experiences in the Kimberley region and beyond.
“North Star Cruises is a WA owned and operated company that commenced operations in 1987 and this new achievement is one of a number of positive developments for the State’s tourism industry,” he said.
“Tourism is worth more than $3.6billion a year to the Western Australian economy, provides employment for more than 70,000 people and the sector is forecast to grow by over six per cent a year for the next decade.
“We are seeing airlines, such as Emirates, providing new services to WA and we are also seeing existing airlines, like Virgin Blue, Qantas and Air New Zealand, expanding their services here.”
The Premier said the new Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre would also bring in additional visitors and tourists.
“Confidence in the State’s tourism sector, under my Government, is demonstrated by the fact there are more than 80 new tourism projects in WA worth more than $550million, with more planned,” he said.
“I welcome this exciting new initiative to promote Western Australian tourism, particularly in the Kimberley region.”
True North will commence its maiden voyage from Perth to Exmouth in March. The ship will also cruise to parts of Papua New Guinea.
Premier's office: 9222 9475
