Australia’s spectacular coastal regions and world-class cruise destinations took centre stage at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2025 in Brisbane, showcasing the nation’s unparalleled offerings to global travel industry leaders. This key event, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 28 April to 2 May, provided a pivotal platform for the country’s cruise sector to connect with more than 700 international buyers representing 31 countries.

Partnerships Strengthen Australia’s Cruise Tourism Profile

The event was a collaborative effort between the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA), working closely with Tourism Australia—the government agency charged with promoting Australian tourism globally (see tourism.australia.com). Together, they highlighted the diversity and appeal of Australia’s coastal cruise offerings, reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in the broader tourism landscape.

CLIA and ACA represent a wide spectrum of stakeholders including cruise lines, ports, tourism operators, and travel agencies. Their combined presence at ATE underscores the importance of the cruise market as a driver of tourism growth and economic benefit.

Australia’s Coastline: A Natural Advantage for Cruising

Australia boasts over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, dotted with iconic ports, pristine beaches, and rich marine environments. The nation’s geography makes it an ideal cruising destination, connecting vibrant gateway cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle with smaller regional ports and natural wonderlands.

The Australian government, through policies outlined on Australia.gov.au and initiatives from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, actively supports cruise tourism as part of the country’s economic recovery and diversification strategy. Investment in port infrastructure, regional tourism development, and sustainable maritime practices ensures that cruising remains a key growth area.

Economic Impact of Australia’s Cruise Sector

Cruising contributes significantly to Australia’s economy. CLIA’s Managing Director Australasia, Joel Katz, highlighted the sector’s impressive figures:

“Cruising is an incredibly important part of Australia’s tourism industry, generating A$8.43 billion annually and supporting more than 26,000 full-time jobs.”

These numbers reflect cruise tourism’s substantial direct and indirect economic impacts, from passenger spending in ports to employment across hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

Moreover, the Australian cruise market’s scale and growth potential have been recognised in government reports such as the Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey, which consistently ranks cruise passengers among the top spenders and fastest-growing tourist segments.

Cruise Passengers: A Vital Tourism Market

Joel Katz also emphasised the strategic importance of the cruise passenger segment:

“If international cruise passengers were a country, they would represent one of Australia’s top five tourism markets, so we need to foster this key part of our tourism portfolio.”

This recognition aligns with the Australian Government’s National Tourism Strategy, which prioritises expanding high-value markets to support sustainable visitor growth and regional economic development.

ACA CEO Jill Abel on Opportunities in Coastal and Expedition Tourism

The ACA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jill Abel, noted the growing global demand for cruise experiences as a significant opportunity for Australia’s coastal destinations:

“Australia is a land of incredible coastal destinations, so cruising is a natural opportunity for international visitors who want to connect our gateway cities and natural environment by sea.”

Australia’s cruise map features approximately 50 regular ports and destinations, along with numerous anchorages and expedition cruising opportunities that cater to adventure and nature tourism markets.

This rich diversity allows cruise operators and travel wholesalers to offer varied itineraries that appeal to a broad range of traveller preferences, from luxury liners docking in urban centres to expedition vessels exploring remote and ecologically sensitive areas like the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania’s wilderness.

Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Cruise Tourism

Sustainability is a key focus for Australia’s cruise industry and government. Tourism Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment promote responsible tourism practices to protect marine ecosystems and cultural heritage sites, ensuring long-term viability.

Cruise companies participating in ATE actively engage in these initiatives, implementing environmental management plans and community partnerships aligned with the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s regulations.

Industry Collaboration at ATE 2025

The ATE event saw a dynamic program of activities, including one-on-one business appointments, networking sessions, and showcases of Australian cruise products. Joel Katz and Jill Abel led a packed schedule of meetings at their co-branded CLIA-ACA booth, representing a broad cross-section of the cruise industry.

The forum enabled Australian cruise operators to present their latest itineraries, shore excursions, and value propositions to international travel buyers. It also provided a platform to discuss trends such as the growing preference for immersive, culturally rich cruise experiences and the integration of technology in booking and onboard services.

Government Support and Future Outlook

The federal government, through agencies such as Tourism Australia and Austrade, continues to support the expansion of Australia’s cruise sector. This includes funding for marketing campaigns, infrastructure development, and industry capability programs aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and maximizing economic returns.

The National Visitor Economy Strategy reinforces the importance of cruising as part of Australia’s broader visitor economy, encouraging innovation and investment in port facilities and regional destinations.

Conclusion

The Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 has once again highlighted the crucial role cruising plays in Australia’s tourism ecosystem. With its spectacular coastline, diverse ports, and commitment to sustainable practices, Australia is well-positioned to attract more international cruise passengers, bolstering the economy and creating jobs.

As Australia’s cruise industry continues to grow, collaborations like those between CLIA, ACA, and Tourism Australia will be essential in promoting the country’s coastal treasures to the global market, ensuring that Australia remains a premier destination for cruise travellers worldwide.

The post Australian Cruise Destinations Shine at Australian Tourism Exchange 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.