- Australian Cruise Association's annual conference kicks off in Fremantle today
- Three-day event will bring more than 150 cruise industry leaders to Western Australia and highlight cruise tourism opportunities
- Part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs
The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference has sailed into Fremantle, bringing together industry leaders to discuss cruise and tourism opportunities.
Returning to Western Australia for the first time since 2018, this prestigious annual conference runs from 3-5 September and is set to attract over 150 of Australia's top cruise industry representatives and showcase WA as a premier cruise destination.
While in WA, international cruise leaders will be hosted on visits to key regional port destinations, providing a firsthand experience of the State's diverse tourism offerings.
Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in diversifying WA's economy, delivering a record $385 million in economic impact in 2023-24 and supporting more than 1,200 local jobs.
With over 12,500 kilometres of coastline, WA is currently home to 10 active cruise ports which collectively hosted 290 cruise ship visits in 2023-24.
Coinciding with the conference, Fremantle welcomed ultra-luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II into Fremantle Harbour today on her maiden call, further underlining WA's strong appeal for cruise lines and travellers alike.
The 27th ACA Conference was secured for the State through a successful bid by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, in partnership with Business Events Perth and City of Fremantle.
Hosting the ACA Conference is an example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to increase tourism across Western Australia, to provide a boost to business and industry, and to support local jobs.
Find out more at australiacruiseassociation.com
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"We're thrilled to be hosting the Australian Cruise Association Conference in Fremantle this week as we know it opens the door for WA being added to future cruise itineraries.
"Hosting this prestigious event is also a valuable opportunity to showcase our State to industry leaders and highlight the growth potential of WA as a premier cruise destination.
"While in WA, delegates will be able to explore new opportunities for the sector, while also experiencing the very best of our State's cruise and broader tourism offerings.
"Cruise tourism plays a major role in the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to drive out-of-state visitation and generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and industry.
"The cruise industry continues to deliver enormous benefits for WA, generating hundreds of millions of dollars each year and I look forward to seeing this momentum continuing as a result of hosting the ACA Conference."
Comments attributed to Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Fremantle Harbour is home to one of Australia's largest cruise terminals and boasts the capacity to berth two cruise liners simultaneously, making it a key gateway for maritime tourism. This makes the port city a fitting host for this year's conference.
"With 26 cruise vessels expected to arrive in Fremantle this financial year, we can continue to see the economic benefits flow through from this industry.
"The Cook Government is making significant investments to support the cruise industry in regional WA, with funding allocated to the Port of Broome for a business case to develop a cruise terminal and also for planning of upgrades to the Port of Albany."
Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"It is fitting the Australian Cruise Association's annual conference is held is Fremantle, which has always been a port of call for cruise ships from around the world.
"Cruise tourism is hugely valuable to local businesses in Fremantle and the port city is a great gateway to visiting Western Australia.
"I look forward to more cruise ships docking at Fremantle Harbour and its passengers experiencing the charm and hospitality of Fremantle."
