• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
'Building Value Beyond the Berth' was the theme.
September 4, 2026
A record number of 170 members, international cruise line executives, service providers and cruise and tourism operators attended this week's annual conference of the Australian Cruise Association in Brisbane, sponsored by Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Port of Brisbane.
Guest speakers and panellists highlighted the theme "Building Value Beyond the Berth" and paid tribute to Brisbane as a leading cruise hub in the region.
It was announced that Hobart, the capital of Tasmania set on the estuary of the River Derwent, will host ACA 2027.
Since the first annual conference held by ACA's predecessor Cruise Down Under in 2001, Hobart has only hosted it once before in 2012.
CEO Jill Abel said that since then Tasmania has grown exceptionally as a world-class destination.
"Luxury hotel brands are there and direct flights now connect the island with every Australian capital city except Darwin," Abel said.
"As Australia's gateway city to Antarctica, Hobart also presents unique opportunities linked to the growing expedition and polar cruise sector."
"Tasmania is a genuinely compelling destination for conference delegates and cruise visitors alike — compact, walkable and rich in world-class food, whisky, nature and heritage experiences," Tourism Tasmania's CEO Sarah Kingston Clark said.
"As an island state, cruise is an essential part of our visitor economy," Kingston Clark said.
"We take a collaborative approach across government, ports, industry and communities, working together to grow the value of the sector for Tasmania, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
"Hosting ACA 2027 in Tasmania gives us a valuable opportunity to showcase our state, share our vision for sustainable cruise growth and strengthen connections across the industry."
