Australian Cruise Association (ACA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tourism Australia, continuing the partnership established in 2023 with a focus on high-value international tourists.
The cruise industry leaders announced the MoU to increase international visitation and grow the national visitor economy at the recent ACA annual conference in Fremantle, WA.
Under the agreement, both cruise industry associations will work with Tourism Australia to collectively grow inbound demand for Australia as the premier cruising destination for high-yield travellers, increasing overnight visitor spend.
ACA CEO Jill Abel said the three organisations had successfully enhanced Australia’s profile as a cruise destination and increased awareness of the potential in cruise tourism.
“By working together with Tourism Australia, we are increasing awareness of Australia’s cruise potential among the wider travel industry and international markets,” she said.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said Australia welcomed almost 250,000 international cruise passengers last year, one of the country’s biggest sources of overseas visitors.
“Our partnership between CLIA, ACA and Tourism Australia unites us in our mission to attract more cruise ships, welcome more cruise visitors and increase the AUD$8.43 billion-a-year contribution that cruising makes to the Australian economy,” he said.
Tourism Australia Executive General Manager Industry Sally Cope said the cruise industry and cruising continues to be an integral part of Australia’s visitor economy.
“We are excited to be continuing our partnership with ACA and CLIA and collaborating on industry opportunities to capitalise on international cruising to Australia, particularly for dispersing international visitors to regional parts of the country,” she said.
