Queensland in Australia is set to have a record season as large numbers of superyachts have flocked to the region so far this year.
37 superyachts have already visited Cairns and Port Douglas this year, which is only nine less than the number that visited in the entirety of 2015. Superyachts spotted in Queensland include 91.5 metre Equanimity and 56 metre Fidelis.
The Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef is confident that the far North will experience its biggest visitation numbers since 2000. The manager of the group Joanne Drake argues there are multiple factors leading to the increase.
“We have been fervently promoting the region’s capabilities, which is a key factor, but also the dollar value is attractive to the yachts, not to mention we have a warm, tropical, attractive, fun and unique destination,” said Drake.
“And everything is located at your fingertips here in Cairns, from the international airport, Great Barrier Reef and shipyards to the florists, providers and tourism operators. We are the main hub for superyachts in Australia.”
There were concerns that mass bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef could have led to a decrease in visitor numbers. However, the figures seem to suggest that people have not been put off visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia as whole also seems to be experiencing a superyacht boom. Sydney Superyacht Marina in Rozelle is undergioing a 30 million Australian dollar redevelopment and last year Spit Marina in Sydney also announced it was undergoing an expansion to attract more superyachts.
“There is a strong focus on Australia at the moment and with good superyacht berths in places like Port Douglas, Abel Point, Sydney, Gold Coast and there are more and more exciting places for owners to go,” added MaryAnne Edwards, chief executive of Superyacht Australia.