Michelle McCully from Bunbury Geographe Tourism Partnership and Mark Exeter from the South West Development Commission joined representatives from Western Australia’s port destinations to pitch our region to major players from the cruise industry at an event to raise the profile of the State as a cruise shipping destination.
The WA Cruise Exchange (WACE), hosted by Tourism WA, has attracted representatives from eight global cruise lines to WA for workshops and networking opportunities.
A host of leading cruise lines including Carnival Australia, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Cruise and Maritime Voyages and Ponant are attending the 2019 exchange, along with first-time attendees, Silversea, Australian Pacific Touring, MSC Cruises and Crystal Cruises.
National travel group Journey Beyond has also joined the event for the first time. Their involvement confirms the growing popularity among interstate and overseas tourists for WA package holidays combining train and cruise ship travel.
The exchange gives cruise industry leaders a forum to meet with WA port destination representatives and learn about the exciting range of on-shore activities that our region can offer their guests.
Michelle McCully said, “It was great to see our region so well represented with the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours also promoting new shore excursions.”
“We heard first hand exactly what experiences cruise line and inbound tour operators were seeking for their guests and how we can accommodate them.
“We look forward to liaising with these key cruise representatives further to continue our mutually beneficial relationship” Mrs McCully concluded.
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