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As cruise passenger visits to the Pacific Islands continue to grow, a special marine reserve pass is being introduced to protect environmental treasures at Jinek Bay at Lifou in the Loyalty Islands.
In line with its commitment to sustainable tourism in the
Pacific Islands, Carnival Australia has funded a viewing platform and stairway
at Jinek Bay which will give cruise passengers free access to view the coral
formations and colourful sea life at the popular cruise destination.
However to help preserve the natural wonders, passengers will
need to purchase a newly introduced marine reserve pass -- limited to 200
people for each ship visit -- to enter the water at Jinek Bay.
Unrestricted swimming will still be available at a number of
other locations around Lifou.
“The Jinek Bay initiative is in line with our commitment to
island communities to engage in sustainable tourism in the Pacific Islands by
minimising our impact on sensitive environments,” Carnival Australia CEO Ann
Sherry said.
“We know that our passengers will embrace the new procedures to
help protect Jinek Bay so that it remains pristine for future generations to
enjoy its natural wonders.”
Use of the new pass begins with Pacific Dawn’s call at Lifou on
Tuesday, April 23, and for Pacific Jewel’s visit the following day. The pass
costs $15 per person and can be purchased using P&O Cruises’ pre-cruise
reservation system or onboard.
Other Carnival Australia brands calling at Lifou -- Carnival
Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises -- have joined the initiative to protect
Jinek Bay’s environmental wonders. CCL’s Carnival Spirit is scheduled to call
at Lifou on May 4.
Funds raised from the new pass will enable the local community
to maintain the beautiful marine area. During the first 12 months of
operation, proceeds of the pass will be used to recover Carnival Australia’s
costs for the associated infrastructure. After this initial period, all
proceeds from pass sales will go to the local communities for the maintenance
of Jinek Bay as an attractive visitor drawcard.
The Jinek Bay initiative was made possible by the excellent
cooperation of the Loyalty Islands Province, local communities and the Comite
du Wetr.