Adelaide to host peak cruise industry conference as sector bounces back from Covid

High seas travel has hit a new high as SA prepares for a record-breaking number of cruise ships arriving from next month for the 2023-24 season.

South Australia is preparing for a record-breaking number of ship arriving from next month for the 2023-24 season. Picture Dean Martin

Adelaide will host the nation’s peak cruise industry body’s 2024 annual conference as the sector continues a resounding bounce-back from the Covid halt.

The vote of confidence in the state’s cruise sector by the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) comes as South Australia prepares for a record-breaking number of ship visits arriving from next month for the 2023-24 season.

With 124 scheduled cruise and expedition ship visits, it is a new high, easily surpassing last season’s 103 visits which brought more than 227,900 passengers and crew to the state.

It also tops the 82 visits made in 2018-19 when the sector contributed $145m to the economy.

The 2024 ACA annual conference and AGM was secured by the South Australian Tourism Commission and will be held on September 4-6, 2024.

It is expected to attract around 130 industry representatives including executives of leading national and international cruise lines, as well as shore excursion operators, port authorities, provedores, shipping agents, and tour businesses.

A cruise ship arrives into Adelaide. Picture Dean Martin

The first cruise ship scheduled for South Australia in 2023-24 is the Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, arriving at Kangaroo Island on October 25 and Adelaide on October 26 with up to 2600 passengers and 1150 crew.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said: “After a hugely successful restart to cruising in South Australia last year and a bumper season, it is 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.”

Chief executive of the Australian Cruise Association, Jill Abel, said Adelaide was an easy choice for next year’s conference.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Originally published as Adelaide to host peak cruise industry conference as sector bounces back from Covid