The International Cruise Council Australasia has added South African Tourism to its growing associate member ranks.

Cruise Council General Manager Brett Jardine said the latest membership reflected the growing importance of the cruise sector to a wide range of destinations.

“As an associate member, South African Tourism will be able to keep our Cruise Council accredited agents abreast of all the cruising opportunities opening up in South Africa, and provide them with greater knowledge of the destination,” Mr Jardine said.

Bangu Masisi, General Manager, South African Tourism Australasia said the organisation had decided to join the Council as it was the perfect opportunity to partner with another industry sector, allowing further opportunities to promote South Africa as a destination of choice for the Australasian traveler.

“With more than eight cruise lines passing through South African ports, becoming a member of the International Cruise Council Australasia is a natural step towards reaching and educating the untapped market from Australasia, which will add value to our destination,” Ms Masisi said.

“The International Cruise Council Australasia provides the perfect platform from which to run periodic destination training and marketing activations, and we are proud that as an associate member we can showcase the unique product that South Africa offers to the cruise market.”

South African Tourism joins Singapore Tourism, Hong Kong Tourism and the Alaska Travel Industry Association as destination associate members of the Council.