Olympic expectations
With Brisbane set to be the likely host for the 2032 Olympic Games, Australia could see a surge of superyacht tourism.
31 March 2021
Advertisement
Following the announcement of Brisbane set to be the likely host of the 2032 Olympic Games, local businesses such as Rivergate Marina and Shipyard are expecting a record number of superyacht owners to visit the Queensland city.
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard has stated they expect that this influx will bring massive economic and employment boosts for the marine and tourism industries.
“An Olympic Games in Queensland in 2032 could easily attract a record number of superyachts to Australia because of the many other exceptional cruising opportunities in the region,” said Rivergate Director, Tom Hill.
He added that both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and 36th America’s Cup were tipped to bring roughly 160 superyachts to the Asia Pacific region prior to COVID-19 disruptions.
“We know that there is substantial pent-up demand among superyacht owners to visit Australia and the Olympics would be another huge drawcard, provided we have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these vessels.”
Advertisement
Hill continued, “The world is experiencing a superyacht building boom and the average size of the vessels is increasing, so we expect there will be many more of these large boats in service by 2032.”
Related to this need for increase infrastructure, Rivergate has also unveiled plans for a major expansion of its Brisbane River facility to establish a $200-million superyacht hub.
The expansion would include extra berthing options for visiting superyachts, an extensive hardstand space, three new refit sheds, a five-storey trade centre and resort-style crew accommodation.
This hub would also have the capabilities to lift vessels up to 3,000 tonnes and 90 metres in height for vital inspections, repairs and refits.
“Our research shows that an additional 60 superyacht visits a year would create 2,000 new jobs in the marine and tourism industries and contribute close to $1 billion to the Queensland economy,” added Hill.
“Imagine the boost to jobs and the economy if more than three times this number of vessels dropped in for the 2032 Olympic Games.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
