- Western Australian Cruise Exchange 2026 to connect more than 25 cruise leaders with 50 WA tourism operators
- Program includes Perth-based business events and regional visits showcasing WA cruise destinations
- $368 million cruise sector supports economic diversification, strengthening regional tourism and creating opportunities for local jobs and businesses across Western Australia
Perth will host the 2026 Western Australian Cruise Exchange (WACE) next week, bringing leading global cruise decision-makers to the State to help secure future cruise visits.
As the State’s flagship cruise industry engagement program, the Exchange brings together global cruise buyers with Western Australian tourism operators, ports, and regional destinations to help shape future cruise itineraries and shore excursions.
More than 25 cruise line executives, itinerary planners, and destination experience managers will attend the event where they will meet with 50 Western Australian tourism businesses, providing an opportunity for Western Australia to secure future cruise calls that will boost visitor numbers and spend across the State.
Cruise decision-makers have arrived in Perth ahead of the Exchange to engage in a series of familiarisation tours that will showcase WA’s cruise tourism offerings, including the State’s regional destinations and local tourism operators.
The WACE program will continue with two days of business-to-business meetings in Perth from 29-30 July.
Cruise line representatives will also meet with WA port authorities to discuss the infrastructure and operational requirements needed to support future visits.
Cruise tourism generated $368.3 million in economic impact for the Western Australian economy in 2024-25, supporting 1,118 full-time equivalent jobs across 298 cruise ship visits.
The WA Cruise Exchange follows the successful 2025 Australian Cruise Association Conference in Fremantle last year and supports delivery of the Western Australian Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan 2023-2033, helping to grow the sector while contributing to the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification agenda.
Find out more at tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“The WA Cruise Exchange creates valuable connections between the world’s cruise decision-makers and Western Australian operators, ports, and communities so we can convert interest into future itineraries.
“It is a practical, outcomes-focused program that helps secure visitation through cruise calls, strengthen our regional destinations and showcase the best of Western Australia’s tourism offering.
“Cruise tourism is a growing contributor to our visitor economy, bringing visitors to communities right across Western Australia and creating opportunities for regional businesses. Programs like this are about economic diversification, supporting regional jobs and backing local businesses across the State.”
Comments attributed to Acting Ports and Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“Our ports play an integral role in supporting our cruise ship industry and providing the gateway for visitors to our regions.
“When a cruise ship visits a regional destination, local businesses, tour operators, hospitality venues, and retailers all share in the economic opportunities that come with those visits.
“Through hosting the WA Cruise Exchange, we are building the relationships that will support long-term growth in Western Australia’s cruise sector.”
