MORE than 150 cruise executives are in Fremantle for the three-day Australian Cruise Association Conference.
And coinciding with the conference ultra-luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II arrived into Fremantle Harbour yesterday (3 September), on its maiden call.
The conference brings together industry leaders to discuss cruise and tourism opportunities.
Returning to Western Australia for the first time since 2018, cruise leaders will be hosted on visits to key regional port destinations, providing a firsthand experience of the state's tourism offerings.
A state government media release said 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.
The state has more than 12,500 kilometres of coastline with 10 active cruise ports which collectively hosted 290 cruise ship visits in 2023-24.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the conference opened 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,” Mr Whitby said.
"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.
"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."
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said Fremantle Harbour is home to one of Australia's largest cruise terminals with the capacity to berth two cruise liners simultaneously, making it a key gateway for maritime tourism.
He said the 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.