SPCA president, Capt. Ollivier Amaru, who is also chairman of the Tahiti Cruise Club which coordinates cruise shipping in French Polynesia, said the decision to join CLIA Australasia was made at Cruise Shipping Miami 2014.
Amaru said SPCA exhibited at the Miami conference with the support of the Fiji-based South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the French Government.
CLIA Australasia is expected to formally announce SPCA’s membership next week.
Amaru said membership will help travel agents recognise the tremendous cruising opportunities in the South Pacific region.
He said his members are working closely with their ports, airlines, tourism authorities, excursion providers and other stakeholders to develop the cruise product.
He said the South Pacific Cruise Alliance in association with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation is planning a major Cruise Forum in Tahiti in October 2015 with leading cruise line executives as keynote speakers.
