Cruise expert buoys economic hopes

A forum of Bunbury business leaders has heard from an international authority on cruise ships with the aim of maximising economic benefit for the South West from the burgeoning cruise industry.

Dr Ross Klein told the forum it was important for Bunbury to drive a hard bargain with cruise lines and notlose sight of the factit was about making money.

‘‘More than anything else, avoiding being drawn into this idea that you’re going to be bringing in huge amounts ofmoney andin that excitement begin to give things away or do things which minimise the value of the visit,’’ he said.

Bunbury has seven cruise ship visits scheduled over the next two years, including three visits by the Dawn Princess which can transport more than 2300 passengers.

The port has played host to more than 35 visits in the past decade.

Dr Klein said there was significant potential in Bunbury for cruise lines to take advantage of the port and Bunbury to take some commercial benefit from them in turn.

‘‘There’s potential, it’s a matter of recognising what is the cruise line looking for and also what do you have to offer,’’ he said.

‘‘Very often, as a port, we don’t see the things we have to offer people.

‘‘It’s often like selling a house — the person selling the house sees all the things wrong with the house and the person buying it sees all the things right with the place.’’

Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries chief executive officer Andrew Horan said Dr Klein’s presentation had answered many questions for those at the forum.

‘‘There are things that we can do as a port which can help us capitalise on the people who visit but you must acknowledge that you’re in a business partnership,’’ he said.

‘‘Ross said in his presentation today that Bunburyis a nice place to look at — it’s visually appealing, it seems fairly affluent when you have a quick look around.

‘‘It’s attractive as a destination for people to come, drop into the city, have a look around.

‘‘If we can capitalise on the visual appeal by providing excellent service and working with the tour companies, I think we’ve got a great opportunity for Bunbury.’’