Sealink’s Chief Executive, Mr Jeff Ellison, said Kangaroo Island was one of the jewels in South Australia’s tourism crown and a major destination for thousands of international and interstate tourists each year.

“These visitors expect high quality facilities such as those now offered at the new terminal. For South Australia to continue to attract its share of tourists, it is important to ensure that we meet their expectations,” he said.

“It will not only benefit ferry passengers, but provides a focal point for those exploring the southern Fleurieu Peninsula,” he said.

“This is likely to have significant spin-off benefits for nearby towns such as Yankalilla, Victor Harbor and McLaren Vale.”

The opening of the Cape Jervis terminal comes shortly after the opening of the new Adelaide Airport terminal, which is expected to help boost tourist numbers to South Australia.

Sealink’s two state-of-the-art ferries, ‘Spirit of Kangaroo Island’ and ‘SeaLion 2000’ make the crossing between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw in just 45 minutes and are the major carriers for the 160,000 tourists that visit Kangaroo Island each year.

The company has previously spent more than $6 million upgrading the Cape Jervis and Penneshaw ports to provide safe, year-round facilities.

Mr Ellison said Sealink’s contribution to the new terminal facility confirmed its commitment to the Fleurieu Peninsula and the broader South Australian tourism industry.

He said the new terminal had created two additional full time jobs as well as opened new opportunities for nearby businesses.

“This is an exciting development that will have a flow-on effect for the broader tourism industry, particularly on Kangaroo Island and along the southern Fleurieu Peninsula, with visitor numbers expected to increase,” he said.

“It provides a suitable gateway to Kangaroo Island and a new focus for tourism to the area.”

Mr David Honner, Marketing Manager, Tourism KI agreed.

“Sealink’s new passenger terminal will provide an entirely appropriate and welcome first and last impression to the thousands of visitors Sealink welcome aboard its fleet of luxury vessels each year,” he said.