It’s been just over a week since the MS Caledonian Sky cruised into South West Rocks and council has said around half of businesses in the area benefited from the visit.
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Kempsey Shire Council coordinator of economic development and tourism, Marilyn Breen, said it was both passengers and locals coming out to have a look that made the day successful.
“It was a combination of the passengers and locals that were seen in local cafes and restaurants,” she said.
“A lot of businesses that opened early benefited from locals, because they were out waiting for the ship to arrive.”
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Ms Breen visited 10 businesses on Wednesday, one week after the cruise ship visit, to get their opinions and response.
“Around half of the 10 businesses I visited benefited on the day.”
“Some businesses are placed better than others for this type of visit and that was reflected with what they saw on the day,” Ms Breen said.
The owner of a restaurant in South West Rocks said it was an ordinary day for them in regards to business.
“We only had three passengers come into the restaurant on the day,” they said.
“There was definitely more people around in the town but we didn’t get an increase in trade.”
Ms Breen said council is wanting to explore this type of tourism more in the future.
“If more cruise ships come, there will definitely be a boost in trade. We want to promote our area as a holiday destination and hopefully get more visitors to the town,” she said.
“I was surprised how many locals came to see the ship and the visitors, everyone had a positive attitude,” Ms Breen said.
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