Tourism Australia have partnered with Cruise Down Under and Qantas to host a group of senior cruise executives from the U.K. and U.S. in a continued effort to increase Australia’s share of the lucrative international cruise market.

The delegation will be welcomed by the Minister, The Hon. Martin Ferguson at the Park Hyatt, Sydney on 23 September ahead of the famil designed to showcase the country’s port facilities, shore excursion products and pre and post-cruise options.

Recorded as the fastest growing segment in the Australian tourism industry, Cruise Down Under’s latest Economic Impact Study confirmed that Australia’s cruise industry is now contributing over AUD$2 billion to the local economy with the organisation’s chairperson Chris White announcing that the industry also recorded a 30 percent increase in the number of ship visits in 2011.

“The cruise market has been experiencing strong year-on-year growth for more than a decade, with the 2012/13 season alone expecting 11 new ships in Australia, so the time is right to bring these key executives to showcase our amazing country,” Ms White said.

Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said that the famil aims to demonstrate the Australian tourism industry’s desire and ability to cater to both larger cruise ships and a mix of international cruisers.

“As an island destination, Australia has an enormous amount to offer cruise travellers,” Mr McEvoy said.

“We are fortunate in having access points for cruise ships right around our country, welcoming visitors into the most beautiful harbours and docks in the world.”

Executives from RCI, Celebrity Cruises, Fred Olsen, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania/Prestige and Silversea have all confirmed their attendance.

“The biggest consumers of cruising holidays are Americans and Europeans, so to get the chance to make our pitch to such a top level delegation representing eight of the biggest cruise operators in the U.S. and U.K. is a real coup and an opportunity we intend to make the very best of,” Mr McEvoy said.

The VIP cruise famil will take in every Australian state and territory between 23 – 30 September.