- Twenty-five cruise industry executives dock in Perth to discuss industry in Western Australia
- Cruise sector injected $333 million into WA economy last year, supporting more than 1,000 jobs
- Additional $1 million over four years awarded in State Budget to grow cruise sector further
- Supported by the Western Australian Government
More than two dozen global cruise industry leaders have sailed into Western Australia, shining a spotlight on the State’s world-class cruise tourism sector.
Leading cruise lines such as Holland America, Seabourn, Princess and P&O, represented under the parent brand Carnival, in addition to MSC, Royal Caribbean, Coral Expeditions and Ponant cruise lines, are among the 14 companies bringing executive delegates to the WA Cruise Exchange held at Crown Towers Perth.
The eighth annual event is a crucial driver of WA’s cruise industry and brings together cruise line executives and shore-excursion ground handlers with representatives from WA ports and the tourism industry for business meetings, information sharing and networking opportunities.
In 2022-23 the WA cruise tourism sector generated $333 million and more than 1,000 jobs for the local economy, while a rising tide of arrivals saw Fremantle Port welcome the highest volume of cruise line passengers in the State this year, with nearly 30 cruise visits bringing more than 36,000 passengers and 17,000 crew to the port city.
Broome Port also welcomed 74 vessels carrying over 30,000 cruise passengers and crew in 2023-24.
Notably, Seabourn’s Pursuit undertook its maiden expedition voyage in the Kimberley region last month with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners named as Godparents of the brand-new vessel, in a sign of commitment to Aboriginal economic development.
The WA Government recently committed an additional $1 million over four years in the State Budget 2024-25 to grow the cruising industry and put wind in the sails of the Western Australian Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-2033.
An additional $35.5 million has also been allocated for improving the popular Victoria Quay, including essential deck repairs and major fender upgrades at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
The upgrades will allow the port city’s terminal to better service the growing cruise industry and cater for larger visiting ships and their thousands of passengers.
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As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Western Australia is a premier destination for cruise and expedition ships, so it’s really exciting to welcome key industry representatives to our State and discuss the amazing experiences our local tourism operators can offer their guests.
“Each year the WA Cruise Exchange brings together the ports, tourism and global cruise sector to discuss upcoming itineraries and showcase how Western Australia and its spectacular coastlines would be a dream inclusion for their guests.
“Our Government has been really proud to support our local cruise sector with $333 million injected in the economy last year and more than 1,000 jobs supported, and events like the WA Cruise Exchange are so valuable in helping to facilitate more ships to our shores and ports.”
As stated by Ports Minister David Michael:
“The $35.5 million wharf upgrades at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal highlight the Cook Government’s commitment to attracting more cruise ships to WA.
“The upgrades, which include essential deck repairs and major fender upgrades, will allow Fremantle to cater for larger ships and higher passenger volumes.”
