P&O Cruises Provides Boost to Pacific Island Communities

P&O Cruises Provides Boost to Pacific Island Communities with Vaccine Donation

P&O Cruises has donated surplus vaccine to Vanuatu public health authorities to immunise local children, as part of the cruise lines continued efforts to work with Pacific Island governments and local communities to ensure communities benefit from cruise ship visits.

The handover of 500 units of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine took place during one of Pacific Jewel's regular calls at Vila, a favourite destination for New Zealand and Australian cruise passengers.

P&O Cruises has been sailing to the Pacific Islands for nearly 80 years and has an extensive program in place which encompasses sustainable environmental practices, further development of shore tours to provide local business opportunities as well as basic infrastructure such as jetty maintenance and eco sewerage facilities.

“The recent vaccine donation in Vanuatu highlights the strong relationship P&O Cruises Australia has established with communities over many years of cruising to the Pacific Islands,” said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises.

“Cruise ship visits to the Pacific Islands currently deliver around $35 million in economic benefit annually with the combined direct spending of P&O Cruises and its passengers,” Ms Sherry said.

“This economic contribution is likely to increase to $50 million annually when the "multiplier effect" for tour operators and other shoreside activities are taken into account. Within 10 years, the direct economic contribution and "multiplier effect" are likely to be around $100 million and $150 million annually.”

At a wider level, P&O Cruises Australia continues to work with Pacific Island governments and local communities to ensure the region benefits from cruise ship visits through tourism-related ventures and employment opportunities in partnership with groups such as AusAid and Australian Business Volunteers

Local initiatives P&O Cruises Australia has supported throughout the Pacific Islands include the upgrade of landing jetties, the building of amenity blocks and helping island communities to establish viable small businesses.

ENDS

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