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Posted by Allen Newton
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24 July, 2026
CRUISE line representatives will meet with West Australian port authorities this week to discuss port improvements to support cruise ship visits.
The meetings are part of the 2026 Western Australian Cruise Exchange (WACE) which aims to connect more than 25 cruise leaders with 50 WA tourism operators.
A state government media release said discussions with government would centre around the infrastructure and operational requirements needed to support future cruise visits.
Cruise tourism generated $368.3 million in economic impact for the Western Australian economy in 2024-25, supporting 1118 full-time equivalent jobs across 298 cruise ship visits.
WACE follows the successful 2025 Australian Cruise Association Conference in Fremantle last year and supports delivery of the Western Australian Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-2033.
The program includes Perth-based business events and regional visits showcasing WA cruise destinations and brings together global cruise buyers with WA tourism operators, ports, and regional destinations to help shape future cruise itineraries and shore excursions.
More than 25 cruise line executives, itinerary planners, and destination experience managers will attend the event where they will meet with 50 local tourism businesses, providing an opportunity for the state to secure future cruise calls.
Cruise decision-makers have arrived in Perth ahead of the Exchange to engage in a series of familiarisation tours that will showcase WA's cruise tourism offerings, including the State's regional destinations and local tourism operators.
The WACE program will continue with two days of business-to-business meetings in Perth from 29-30 July.
Acting tourism minister Dr Tony Buti said the WA Cruise Exchange creates valuable connections between the world's cruise decision-makers and Western Australian operators, ports, and communities that can be converted into future itineraries.
"It is a practical, outcomes-focused program that helps secure visitation through cruise calls, strengthen our regional destinations and showcase the best of Western Australia's tourism offering,” Dr Buti said.
"Cruise tourism is a growing contributor to our visitor economy, bringing visitors to communities right across Western Australia and creating opportunities for regional businesses. Programs like this are about economic diversification, supporting regional jobs and backing local businesses across the state."
