Cruise ships anchor $3.3m earnings

Last season's increased cruise ship visitation to Albany Port provided a multimillion-dollar boost to the local economy, according to figures released last week.

Statistics from Australia's peak cruise industry association Cruise Down Under show $3.3 million in combined and indirect spending was injected into the local community in 2014-15, tripling the spending in the year before when $1.1 million was generated.

The increased expenditure is in direct correlation with a boost in cruise ship numbers to the port, which rose from five in 2013-14 to 11 in 2014-15.

Figures show $275.3 million was generated for WA as whole, which is a 43.5 per cent increase on the previous year.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the cruise ship industry was a cornerstone of Albany's tourism industry. He said the upcoming season, where 12 ships are expected to dock in the port, was also looking strong.

"For the first time we will have the Superstar Virgo stopping into Albany and the Astor will be overnighting for the first time," he said.

The Superstar Virgo will carry 2800 passengers from Hong Kong and China, while the Astor carries more than 500.

Mr Wellington said the City would stage Albany Twilight Markets in the town square for the visits.

Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Russ Clark said the cruise ship industry was an important cog in the local market.

"Tourism is a growth sector for the region, it has proven valuable and has ongoing value," he said.

"The City and other agencies have recognised the need to increase their market share."

Mr Clark said events such as the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia rally in October and the Clipper Round the World Race stopover in November in conjunction with the cruise ship season will be positive for the region.