• Australian Cruise Association’s annual conference kicks off in Fremantle today
• Three-day event will bring more than 150 cruise industry leaders to Western Australia and highlight cruise tourism opportunities
• Part of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs

The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) Conference has sailed into Fremantle, bringing together industry leaders to discuss cruise and tourism opportunities.

Returning to Western Australia for the first time since 2018, this prestigious annual conference runs from 3-5 September and is set to attract over 150 of Australia’s top cruise industry representatives and showcase WA as a premier cruise destination.

While in WA, international cruise leaders will be hosted on visits to key regional port destinations, providing a firsthand experience of the State’s diverse tourism offerings.

Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in diversifying WA’s economy, delivering a record $385 million in economic impact in 2023-24 and supporting more than 1,200 local jobs.

With over 12,500 kilometres of coastline, WA is currently home to 10 active cruise ports which collectively hosted 290 cruise ship visits in 2023-24.

Coinciding with the conference, Fremantle welcomed ultra-luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II into Fremantle Harbour today on her maiden call, further underlining WA’s strong appeal for cruise lines and travellers alike.

The 27th ACA Conference was secured for the State through a successful bid by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, in partnership with Business Events Perth and City of Fremantle.

Hosting the ACA Conference is an example of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy to increase tourism across Western Australia, to provide a boost to business and industry, and to support local jobs.

Find out more at australiacruiseassociation.com

As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Australian Cruise Association Conference in Fremantle this week as we know it opens the door for WA being added to future cruise itineraries.

“Hosting this prestigious event is also a valuable opportunity to showcase our State to industry leaders and highlight the growth potential of WA as a premier cruise destination.

“While in WA, delegates will be able to explore new opportunities for the sector, while also experiencing the very best of our State’s cruise and broader tourism offerings.

“Cruise tourism plays a major role in the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy to drive out-of-state visitation and generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and industry.

“The cruise industry continues to deliver enormous benefits for WA, generating hundreds of millions of dollars each year and I look forward to seeing this momentum continuing as a result of hosting the ACA Conference.”

Comments attributed to Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:

“Fremantle Harbour is home to one of Australia’s largest cruise terminals and boasts the capacity to berth two cruise liners simultaneously, making it a key gateway for maritime tourism. This makes the port city a fitting host for this year’s conference.

“With 26 cruise vessels expected to arrive in Fremantle this financial year, we can continue to see the economic benefits flow through from this industry.

“The Cook Government is making significant investments to support the cruise industry in regional WA, with funding allocated to the Port of Broome for a business case to develop a cruise terminal and also for planning of upgrades to the Port of Albany.”

Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:

“It is fitting the Australian Cruise Association’s annual conference is held is Fremantle, which has always been a port of call for cruise ships from around the world.

“Cruise tourism is hugely valuable to local businesses in Fremantle and the port city is a great gateway to visiting Western Australia.

“I look forward to more cruise ships docking at Fremantle Harbour and its passengers experiencing the charm and hospitality of Fremantle.”

The world’s largest ship set sail on Sunday, making its debut out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas has 20 decks and eight neighborhoods with seven pools. It accommodates 5,000 passengers.

“Star of the Seas represents the next bold step in our journey to reimagine vacations,” said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty in a press release.

“It brings together the best of our innovation, signature experiences, and the most sought-after destinations into one unforgettable vacation.”

He added, “With Star, we’re not just launching a ship, we’re advancing our mission to create the world’s best vacations responsibly for guests of all ages.”

In January, AAA released its first-ever “Cruise Travel Forecast.”

It projects that 19 million Americans plan to take cruises this year.

Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry expert known as “The Cruise Guy,” told Fox News Digital that “2025 is another record year.”

“More people have cruised in 2025 than any previous year in history,” he said. “Future bookings are at record levels when compared to the same time in any previous year.”

Last year, 18.2 million travelers went on cruises, according to the AAA report.

Chiron said he sees demand surging in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

The cruise forecast report found that 72% of passengers are heading to Caribbean destinations in search of sunny vacation times.

Six percent plan on heading to Alaska, while 5% of people will be cruising in the Mediterranean, according to the report. 

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He added that he’s seeing interest in the Panama Canal, Japan and Asia growing along with expedition cruises to the North and South Poles.

“Cruise lines are responding to strong demand from cruise passengers who are desiring private destinations and the enticing experiences that are unavailable at the other ports being visited on regular itineraries,” said Chiron.

While the cruise industry is on the uptick, Chiron said there are a few things to consider.

“Geopolitical issues and fuel costs are always a concern,” said Chiron. “The cruise industry has protective measures in place, including the ability to move ships to ensure smooth sailings.”

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“Passenger and ship safety is paramount,” he added. 

Read more of this story from FOX News. 

The enormous steel structures, part of a 350,000 sq ft industrial site, tower over fences and hedges, completely overshadowing homes just metres away from the development

Families dwelling beneath the shadow of two colossal warehouses have compared the ordeal to having a “cruise ship” crash-land in their rear gardens. The massive steel constructions, forming part of a 350,000 sq ft industrial development, loom above fencing and hedgerows, completely dwarfing properties situated mere metres from the site.

Tyldesley residents in Wigan have voiced dismay at the buildings’ overwhelming scale, with some contemplating relocation. Developer PLP’s blueprints reveal the enormous site will ultimately house four immense warehouses, with the local authority approving a maximum height of 18.3m (60ft) for two structures.

Delivery behemoth Whistl has already claimed one of the colossal units, securing a 15-year lease on a 140,000 sq ft facility. A council official insisted that landscaping measures would help reduce the visual impact, stating the scheme adhered to correct planning procedures.

Nevertheless, locals contend the final authorised proposals were considerably more substantial than the initial designs.

Concerns were raised regarding property value implications, with claims of insufficient consultation prior to construction commencing, reports the Manchester Evening News.

John Peters, 71, a retired educator, has lived on the estate since 1978. He said: “It’s a total shock when you walk out of the door.

“The enormity of the thing just strikes you. It shouldn’t be there.”

He said that his dreams of a tranquil retirement were “shattered” due to the proximity of the construction to his home.

A campaign group has been established to unite neighbours and oppose the development, with over 200 individuals attending a recent gathering.

Mr Peters argued that the manner in which residents were notified about the project left many feeling caught off guard.

He stated: “A letter was sent out to 90 residents, but I don’t know how they selected those residents because some of the people who back onto the site didn’t get anything.

“It was just completely random.

‘I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight’.

Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two children in a house that overlooks the towering warehouse.

She commented: “It’s quite upsetting, because we used to have such a lovely view. We knew this was going to be built, but we thought it was going to be a lot smaller.

“As soon as the framework went up, everyone realised the height of it – it’s humungous. I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight.

“It’s like a cruise ship at the back of our garden. Even if we wanted to move, I think the value of the house has gone down.”

She voiced concerns about damage in her home that she fears could be linked to the size of the warehouse and the closeness of the construction work.

She said: “I noticed a dip in the flooring back in February and a big crack in the wall.”

‘Every time I think about it, I feel sick’.

Steve Retford, 69, has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with a structure that stands just 30m away from his garden, stating that the impact is “profound”.

The retired police officer said: “It’s just dreadful. We feel this sense of injustice.

“I don’t profess to be a planning expert, but when you look at the sheer enormity of this, it’s not right.

“It must have taken tens of thousands of pounds off the value of our houses. Every time I think about it, I feel sick.”

Meanwhile, care worker Danielle Edwards, 38, is concerned that the warehouse could make it difficult to sell her home in the future.

She said: “It’s awful. We bought this house because we’re a young family wanting to stay in the area.

“It would be very difficult to move. I can see it from my back garden. We thought they were going to be low-rise industrial units, but they’re not.”

Retired project manager Eric Earnshaw, 79, who has lived in the Tyldesley area all his life, is now preparing to leave for the Lake District due to constant building work.

He explained: “There are walks that take me along fields in the area where there are plans for thousands of homes.

“All the green space around here is disappearing.”

Aidan Thatcher, director for place at Wigan Council, defended the decision, saying: “This planning application went through our planning consultation and committee process.

“The final plans include landscaping which will help to screen and soften the appearance, and mitigate the impact on nearby properties.

“We will continue to monitor the site throughout construction, ensuring this development bringing new jobs and investment to the area is delivered properly.”

A spokesperson for PLP declined to comment.

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