A group of leading cruise consultants have inspected Hong Kong’s expanding cruise facilities firsthand with a visit to the region following this year’s International Cruise Council Australasia’s Masters Conference in China.

Almost 50 travel consultants from across Australia and New Zealand have expanded their understanding of the cruise industry and sharpened their sales and marketing skills after taking part in the International Cruise Council Australasia’s 2010 Masters Conference in China this month.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has declared its June delegation to the North American annual cruise3sixty conference so successful that the council will host another trip in 2011.

The International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA) 2009 Australian Cruise Industry Report shows the local cruise industry experienced its fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth.

Despite the global economic crisis the Australian cruise industry reached new heights in 2009, with the number of Australians taking a cruise holiday rising 11 per cent to a record 366,721, according to new figures released today.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has welcomed South American destination management company, Condor Travel, to its growing associate member ranks.

The Australasian cruise industry’s best performers have been recognised for their contribution to Australia and New Zealand’s growing cruise market at the International Cruise Council Australasia’s 2009 awards dinner.

One of the founding members of the International Cruise Council Australasia, Discover the World’s Richard Cranmer, has retired from its board after 13 years. Mr Cranmer formally resigned at yesterday’s ICCA Annual General Meeting in Sydney. The Treasurer position has now been filled by APT General Manager Chris Hall.