Media Releases
Fantasea announces total smoking ban on all vessels
27th July 2007
Whitsundays-based Fantasea Adventure Cruising has formally adopted a non-smoking policy across all of its operations - including its 10-strong fleet of inter-island ferries and cruise vessels to Reefworld and Whitehaven Beach, along with the cruise ship MV Fantasea Ammari.
Announcing the ban, CEO Hume Campbell said: "Fantasea operates within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and we have an obligation to ensure that we treat both the marine environment and the passengers who travel on our vessels with the utmost respect.
"Fantasea carries well over 1 million passengers a year and the feedback from the customers we surveyed - including smokers - is that they support our decision to create a smoke-free environment onboard our vessels.
"Apart from minimising the risks to the marine environment, Fantasea is committed to reducing the public's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, supporting smokers trying to quit and discouraging young people from taking up the habit.
"As the region's leading marine tour operator it is our duty to set an example to others and hope that they follow our lead."
In recent years Fantasea has operated a partial smoking ban on its vessels but has now implemented a total ban.
Fantasea's smoking ban is in line with the ideals of the Fantasea Foundation which receives an annual grant of $100,000 from the Campbell family, owners of Fantasea Adventure Cruising and its parent company Brisbane-based Riverside Marine.
The Fantasea Foundation is dedicated to promoting and encouraging ecologically-responsible and sustainable tourism within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and actively assists in the conservation of the marine park with its scientific research and environmental monitoring programs.
Fantasea's non-smoking policy is also in keeping with Queensland Government initiatives to reduce the impact of tobacco smoking in communal spaces.
The Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2004 put in place the toughest and most comprehensive smoking bans in Australia.
The new laws include no-smoking in outdoor public places such as patrolled beaches, children's playground equipment and major sports stadiums.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES - David Gibbs Plus PR & Marketing 0411 671 627 davidgibbs@pluspr.com.au