| Tourism WA cruises into CLIA Australasia membership ranks

Tourism Western Australia has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s executive partner ranks as cruising ramps up in the State.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the move was timely with cruise line members spending more time cruising Western Australia’s coastline in recent years and introducing new ports such as Busselton.

“Cruising is booming in Australia so it makes sense for tourism boards to work more closely with CLIA Australasia to maximise the number of cruise visitors to their shores,” Mr Jardine said.

Tourism Western Australia CEO Stephanie Buckland said the agency was pleased to become a member of CLIA Australasia.

“Cruising is vital to the State’s economy, generating $116.5 million in 2013-14 thanks to a total of 68 cruise ship visits,” Ms Buckland said.

“To ensure Western Australia capitalises on the rapid growth of the cruise shipping sector, Tourism WA is implementing a cruise shipping strategy. Becoming a member of CLIA will help us to deliver the strategy and raise awareness of Western Australia as an extraordinary cruising destination in Australia and New Zealand.”

Tourism Western Australia is the fourth tourism body to join CLIA Australasia with Tourism Queensland, Tourism New Zealand and Tourism NT already onboard.

SOURCE   CLIA