Local Port Melbourne and St Kilda traders attended a cruise shipping information session at Station Pier on Friday 20 October.
Facilitated by Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM), the session gave valuable insights into what cruise passengers look for and like to do when they arrive at a destination. Local businesses can use this information to tap into the cruise passenger market.
At VPCM’s invitation, Michael Mihajlov, Director of Destination Management at Carnival Australia came to Station Pier to speak to local businesses. He gave an excellent, broad ranging presentation explaining many aspects of the industry including the current growth of cruising (it’s the fastest growing sector of Australian tourism).
The presentation was very well received and the feedback so positive, VPCM may do it again.
Carnival Australia represents 9 cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard Line, fathom, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Princess Cruises and Seabourn – most of which visit Station Pier.
People attending the session included Cr Bernadene Voss, Mayor,City of Port Phillip; Paul Littmann, President of the Port Melbourne Business Association (PMBA); Gary Mink, President of the Fitzroy Street Business Association; Eddie Micallef and Bill Fisher of the Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association (BCNA); local traders and City of Port Phillip volunteer Waterfront Welcomers.
 |  |
| Michael Mihajlov, Director of Destination Management, Carnival Australia | Local traders and community members listening to the presentation |
 |  |
| Local traders and community members listening to the presentation | L to R: Bill Fisher & Eddie Micallef, BCNA; Michael Mihajlov, Carnival Australia; Rachel Johnson, CEO, VPCM; Paul Littman, President PMBA; Van Le-Hugh, Coordinator, PMBA |
 |  |
| L to R: Bernadene Voss, Mayor, City of Port Phillip; Janice van Reyk, Deputy Chair, VPCM; Michael Mihajlov, Carnival Australia | Waterfront Welcomer volunteers in the audience |