The South Pacific remains the most popular cruise destination for Australian and New Zealand cruisers, with industry statistics showing more than half a million holidaymakers from the two nations enjoying cruises to the region annually.

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA) and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation have agreed this week to further cooperate and drive the growth of cruise tourism in the South Pacific region. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was renewed between the two organisations during the SPTO conference in Adelaide on April 11.

They stated that they aim todrive the growth of cruise tourism in the South Pacific, in a manner that is both sustainable and brings economic and social benefits to the region.

CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the MOU would support the development of cruise tourism and help to deliver further economic benefits to the South Pacific over the years ahead.

“It is very important to our member cruise lines that we support South Pacific nations to better understand the cruise industry and recognize the importance of sustainable cruise tourism in the region."

SPTO CEO Chris Cocker said the renewed relationship between CLIA and SPTO would re-establish an important dialogue to strengthen the South Pacific Islands as cruise destination.

He said specifically, it will create a platform of sharing of information and insights to support the continued growth of cruise tourism in the Pacific.