Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the first ever international deployment of its Cruise3Sixty conference, which will take place in Sydney February 7 (2014).

Cruise3Sixty Australasia 2014 will feature an array of leading cruise industry experts, providing the latest information for specialist cruise travel agents, cruise lines and other stakeholders.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said Cruise3Sixty Australasia was set to become the leading cruise industry event in the Australasian region.

“The decision to stage Cruise3sixty Australia reflects the massive expansion of our local cruise industry as well as its enormous potential,” Jardine said in a prepared statement.

“Australian cruise passenger numbers have grown by 20 percent a year over the past decade and for the past two years we have ranked as the world’s fastest growing cruise passenger market. We think Cruise3Sixty Australasia will provide a fantastic forum for agents and operators looking to build their cruise business further.

“Cruise3Sixty is a major annual event which has been running in the United States for the past 10 years and attracts close to 2,000 delegates, so we’re looking forward to emulating its success.”

A conference program will be released in the coming weeks, with pre-registration for delegates now open.

The inaugural Cruise3Sixty Australasia will also feature an exhibition offering opportunities for attendees to connect with key partners including ocean and river cruise lines, destinations and other cruise related suppliers.