Christmas Island, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, is targeting the expanding expedition cruise market.

The island is currently working on a cruise ship strategy plan, including on shore activities, products, services and infrastructure needs, according to a spokesperson.

“Here at Christmas Island while wishing to be a welcoming destination, this analysis has made us aware that our present capacity for servicing the cruise ship market is quite limited and will remain so for some time,” he said. “Additionally, with a population of just 1,500 people, very few of whom are working in the tourism sector we do not have the personnel requirements necessary to service large passenger numbers.”

Therefore, officials are targeting on expedition and small ship operators, hoping to accommodate ships between 50 and 300 guests.

Christmas Island offers a wealth of unique species, not the least of which is its world famous red crabs.

The island also offers a variety of birds, flora and marine life and the added bonus of a jungle environment that is uninhabited by any large predators and poisonous snakes or other dangerous species. 63 percent of the island is a national park.