The Australian Government has introduced a Bill that will increase superyacht charters in Australian waters.
Australia has some of the most spectacular coastal and aquatic attractions in the world and approximately 70 per cent of all international visitors report enjoying coastal experiences as part of their trip.
Australia is welcoming a record number of international visitors who are staying longer and spending more, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast gives the global superyachting community yet another reason to visit our shores.
Superyachts are highly lucrative within the tourism sector. It is estimated they currently generate around $1.96 billion annually and with these proposed reforms the industry estimates it could contribute an additional $1.12 billion to the Australian economy by 2021.
If passed, the amendment to the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 will remove the prohibitive costs related to the importation of a vessel and reduce the required number of chartered voyages from five to one, delivering significant economic benefits for the tourism and marine sectors.
Recently, the Turnbull Government announced 21 new anchorage points with the Great Barrier Reef and a new vessel boarding station on the Gold Coast to facilitate growth in this important tourism sector.