Starting next week, Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) inaugural Cruise Tourism Trade Ready Program will help businesses across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sector to increase sales and navigate the opportunities of Brisbane’s $1.5 billion cruise industry.

The eight-week program will provide operators with the knowledge and industry networks to develop and market new experiences and itineraries to cruise passengers, increasing shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise stays in the city.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Cruise Tourism Trade Ready Program would help local businesses tap into the tourism market.

“Our tourism operators are a key reason why Brisbane is capturing global attention as one of the best places in the world to visit, so we’re thrilled to be able to give back to them.

“Brisbane has so much to see and do, and there’s a huge opportunity to create more pathways to connect cruise passengers with those experiences.

“The cruise-ready program will teach local businesses critical skills to promote our incredible lifestyle to the cruising world, while driving economic growth.”

According to the latest economic impact assessment of cruise tourism in Australia, prepared by the AEC Group on behalf of CLIA and the ACA, Brisbane is now Australia's second-largest cruise port and in the 2023/24 season alone, 196 ships arrived in Brisbane, bringing 979,628 passengers for a cruise holiday.

Australia Cruise Association Chief Executive Officer, Jill Abel said: “Brisbane has become a key destination and turnaround port for Australian and international cruise itineraries, enhancing opportunities for global visitors to arrive in Australia by sea and supporting the fly/cruise market.

“The development of world-class port facilities is also boosting the domestic cruise sector, expanding itineraries across Queensland and the South Pacific. The Cruise Tourism Trade Ready Program will equip shore-side attractions with essential tools to thrive in this growing market and help drive an increase in transit calls to Brisbane."

As Brisbane’s Regional Tourism Organisation, BEDA plays a crucial role in strengthening the capacity and capability of local tourism businesses. Following severe weather caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, BEDA is focused on driving economic growth by revitalising the region’s tourism offerings and maximising new opportunities for industry expansion.

The 2025 Cruise Tourism Trade Ready Program will run from April to May 2025 in collaboration with program facilitators Tonic Tourism Solutions.

For more information on BEDA’s Tourism Training opportunities visit the BEDA website.

Brisbane’s 2025 Cruise Tourism Trade Ready Program Cohort

Dolphin Wild Cruises (Moreton Bay LGA) - Dolphin Wild Island Cruises offers an eco-adventure on Moreton Island, combining exploration, marine encounters, and wildlife education while preserving its pristine beauty.

Cuisine on Cue (Brisbane LGA) - Cuisine on Cue provides exclusive full-service catering with custom menus, event planning, and equipment hire for weddings, corporate functions, and parties at top Brisbane venues and across South-East Queensland.

Delectable Tours (Brisbane LGA) - Delectable Tours showcase some of Brisbane’s best food and local produce, providing a unique way to experience the city and its food culture.

Girl’s Trek (Brisbane Alive) (Brisbane LGA) - Bespoke small group holidays for women who seek personal adventure.

Summer Land Camels (Scenic Rim LGA) - Australia's largest camel dairy offers authentic farm-gate products and experiences.

Pineapple Tours (Brisbane LGA) - Pineapple Tours offers unforgettable journeys showcasing the best of the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Tamborine Mountain, specialising in gourmet food and wine tours, bespoke travel experiences, and hop-on hop-off sightseeing services.

Koala and River Cruises (Brisbane LGA) - Brisbane River cruise taking locals and visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years.

IndigiScapes (Redland City Council) - IndigiScapes Redlands Brisbane is an eco-tourism experience offering immersive cultural and nature-based activities that connect visitors with Indigenous Australian heritage and the local environment.

The Store of Requirement & The Owlery (Moreton Bay LGA) - A charming, Harry Potter-themed store and cafe in Sanford Village, offering a delightful mix of quirky, handcrafted gifts, unique collectibles, and whimsical decor, perfect for Harry Potter fans and enthusiasts.

Birrunga Gallery Hub (Brisbane LGA) - The only First Nations owned gallery and cafe in the Brisbane CBD. The gallery is a cafe by day and wine bar by night, as well as a gallery displaying First Nations contemporary art and performance space.

Brisbane Whale Watching (Moreton Bay LGA) - Brisbane Whale Watching offers unforgettable eco-tours, providing guests with the opportunity to witness majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat along the stunning Moreton Bay coastline.

Straddie Brewing Co (Redland LGA) - A craft brewery located on North Stradbroke Island, offering a refreshing selection of locally brewed beers that capture the island's laid-back, coastal vibe.

Basilea Farm (Moreton Bay LGA) - Basilea Farm offers a serene and picturesque rural retreat, blending lush herbal haven with sustainable farming practices for a truly unique experience.

White Ridge Farm (Moreton Bay LGA) - The Brisbane Animal Farm offers hands-on experiences with animals like llamas and piglets, along with tractor and train rides, playgrounds, and interactive feeding sessions.

Devon Pixies (Logan LGA) - Logans' first and only dedicated tea house, serving you our personalised high tea experience for your celebrations, connections, and catchups.