South Pacific alliance aids superyacht industry

14 July 2015: A NEW alliance to promote superyachting in the South Pacific region will help the Whitsundays create more jobs as it becomes established as a destination. South Pacific Superyachting, a collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Fiji, aims to double both the number of superyachts that currently visit the South Pacific annually, and the number of days they spend in the region by 2018.The Whitsundays can be the major contributor to that goal because we have a highly regarded world class destination with the most potential for growth. Our access to the reef and the 74 islands of the Whitsundays is a very big drawcard, as well as having the One and Only Hayman Island and Whitehaven Beach, which consistently rates among the best beaches in the world. When you consider the reputations of Tahiti and Fiji and the yachting pedigree of New Zealand, we are in very good company.A superyacht industry would create many jobs in the Whitsundays and would be a major boost to the local economy. We should not underestimate the value of this industry to a local economy. There is enormous money behind these superyachts and they all have to be serviced, maintained, and provisioned while in dock. In addition, the handful of guests on board a superyacht wants to experience everything the destination has to offer and the spin-off for tourism operators is significant.The extra jobs that came with a superyacht industry would see more wages and business profits circulating the region and creating further wealth for locals. There is huge potential for our region in the superyacht industry and I will be working to ensure we make the most of this opportunity. The Whitsundays will combine well with the other destinations in the South Pacific alliance and together they have a very powerful message to sell.