In a significant boost to South Australia’s tourism sector, Adelaide has been chosen as the host city for the 2024 annual conference of the Australian Cruise Association (ACA).
This announcement comes just ahead of the inaugural cruise ship of the 2023-24 season, set to grace South Australian shores next month.
The decision by the ACA underscores the growing confidence in South Australia’s cruise industry. The state is gearing up for an unprecedented number of ship visits starting this October, with a whopping 124 cruise and expedition ship visits on the calendar.
This figure not only eclipses last season’s 103 visits, which saw over 227,900 passengers and crew members, but also surpasses the 82 visits recorded in the 2018-19 season, a year that saw the industry inject $145 million into the state’s economy.
Organized by the South Australian Tourism Commission, the 2024 ACA Annual Conference and AGM is slated for 4-6 September 2024.
The event is anticipated to draw approximately 130 industry stalwarts, including top-tier executives from national and international cruise lines, shore excursion operators, port authorities, and a myriad of other industry stakeholders.
The ACA unveiled this decision during the concluding session of their 2023 annual conference in Wollongong.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said that after a hugely successful restart to cruising in South Australia last year and a bumper season, it was wonderful to get this big show of support in our state.
“With a record-breaking 124 ships set to visit our shores in the upcoming season, it is clear South Australia is a destination of choice for cruise lines – and now too, for the industry’s annual conference.”
“Thanks to excellent cruise infrastructure and world-renowned destinations like Kangaroo Island, we are seeing a huge resurgence in cruising in our state and continually growing this valuable sector of our visitor economy.”
Jill Abel, CEO Australian Cruise Association, said the committee’s decision to take the conference to Adelaide made perfect sense as the State’s appeal continues to grow for the curious cruise traveller.
“With a growing port network including the gateway city of Adelaide, as well as wonderful sites like Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), Port Lincoln and more remote locations for expedition cruises, South Australia is well positioned to welcome the full range of cruise ships.”
“The state’s vast offering of shore excursions – wellness and walking tours, wildlife viewing, Indigenous experiences and of course the incredible wealth of food and beverage experiences – makes for a highly immersive cruise itinerary.”
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