The successful bid by Tourism Western Australia was announced at ACA 2017 in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.
‘We are seeing the regional ports becoming increasingly critical to the growth of the cruise tourism sector in Australia,’ ACA ceo Jill Abel said.
‘We wanted to recognise that in our selection of the destination for our 22nd annual conference next year and look forward to working with Broome on creating a highly successful event.’
The conference will be held at the award-winning Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, situated on the 22km-long Cable Beach.
Tourism Western Australia ceo Steve Wood said Broome had 18 cruise ship visits, with more than 20,000 passengers and 10,000 crew in 2016/17 and there are currently 15 scheduled visits for 2017/18, including a maiden call by Crystal Symphony next February.
‘Affectionately known as the Pearl of the North, Broome is the home of South Sea pearls,’ Wood said. ‘Their discovery in the 1800s fueled a mass migration almost as epic as the gold rush, creating a melting pot of cultures that makes Broome the multicultural town it is today.’
He said Broome is rich in Aboriginal history and famous for its heritage, pristine beaches and its many pearl showrooms and galleries in the Chinatown precinct.
Peter Taylor, president of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Cruise Broome, a committee of local business representatives with the Kimberley Ports Authority focused on the future development of Broome as a destination for cruise ships, was formed by BCCI in 2016.
‘Cruise Broome works closely with local partners to help provide high quality services and amenities for cruise visitors and I am delighted that the 2018 ACA conference bid has been successful,’ Taylor said.
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