HX is the latest to partner with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to boost its presence in the local market, coming on board as a Regional Expedition/Ocean Cruise Line CLIA member in Australasia.
The expedition cruise company joins Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises and South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), which have all joined as a CLIA member in Australasia in the last two months.
The partnership brings HX into CLIA’s wider Australasian cruise community, comprised of more than 40 global cruise lines plus travel advisors, ports, destinations, suppliers and other stakeholders.
HX will now be a part of CLIA’s agent training and events program in Australia and New Zealand and will be represented in government and industry advocacy initiatives across the region. HX has also joined CLIA in Europe under a similar partnership.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said he was delighted to welcome HX as a CLIA member amid surging demand for expedition cruises.
“Expedition cruising is an area of remarkable innovation right now – especially in areas like conservation and sustainability – and so we’re delighted to have HX join our community at such an inspiring time,” he said.
HX Sales Director for Australia-New Zealand Amber Wilson said: “HX has embarked on an exciting new phase in its 130-year history and we are pleased to share that journey with CLIA and its 6,000-strong travel agent membership in Australia and New Zealand.”
“There’s a real passion for exploration in this region – among both travel advisors and travellers –and we’re proud to support that momentum through the CLIA community.”
Riverside Luxury Cruises came on board as a River Cruise Marketing Affiliate in March 2025 with the partnership aimed at showcasing its trio of all-suite ships across Australia and New Zealand.
Riverside Luxury Cruises’ ANZ Commercial Sales & Marketing representative Susie Coughlin said: “The CLIA partnership will provide an important platform for our business as we increase our presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets and enhance its profile as an exciting new face in the river cruise sector.”
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises joined as a Regional CLIA Member in Australasia in April 2025, also meeting the growing demand for luxury cruises and expedition voyages.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Director Sales Elvir Johic said: “CLIA membership offers an excellent platform to connect with the region’s travel trade and CLIA community.”
SATC also swelled the CLIA Australasia membership as a new Executive Partner in April 2025, aiming to grow cruise tourism in the state and expand the range of ships visiting Adelaide and surrounding destinations.
For more info, visit cruising.org.au
