Cruise Down Under held its management committee meeting in Perth this week and welcomed the renewed commitment of Tourism Western Australia to the cruise sector and their membership of CDU. The Tourism WA Board has endorsed the addition of cruise shipping to the agency’s list of State Tourism Development Priorities. Tourism WA has appointed Lance Hardy to work with cruise industry stakeholders.

CDU Chairman Chris White said “it is critical that State Tourism Organisations work with the ports, tourism operators and service providers to ensure the continued success of the cruise industry as it enters yet another phase of growth within our region.”

The Management Committee also approved the application for membership by Intercruises, an international port agent and ground handler with more than 300 offices worldwide. Intercruises have recently established operations in Australia.

In addition to meeting with representatives from Tourism WA, CDU held an industry forum as part of its strategy on communication and education with stakeholders. CDU presented industry statistics on the value of the sector, the current global perspective and the benefits and opportunities to Western Australia. General Manger, Jill Abel said “the forum was a positive way to engage with stakeholders in Western Australia and provide them with access to information and contacts for building cruise into their businesses. The increase in the number of port calls and destinations visited in Western Australia has grown enormously. Last year, cruise calls increased by 43% on the 2008-09 season – the highest growth performer in Australia.”