Strengthening Brisbane’s Cruise Offering, One Pitch at a Time

Tonic Tourism Solutions is proud to have delivered the recent BEDA Cruise Trade Ready Program; a targeted initiative designed to elevate Southeast Queensland’s appeal as a cruise destination. Over several weeks, local tourism operators engaged in a curated development journey, gaining vital insights into the cruise industry, refining their products, and preparing to pitch directly to buyers. The program culminated in a vibrant showcase where participants took centre stage, presenting their shore excursion offerings to leading ground operators with an eye on upcoming cruise itineraries.

As cruise lines continue to seek fresh, authentic experiences for their international guests, the need for new and compelling product has never been greater. Programs like this one directly address that need, growing Brisbane’s portfolio of shore excursions and ultimately helping position the city as a more dynamic, desirable port of call. "The BEDA Cruise Cruise Trade Ready Program was the perfect length and struck the right balance for someone juggling the demands of running a small business," said Kylie Taylor of Straddie Brewing Co. "Tyler and Sharon’s deep knowledge of the cruise industry directly guided the development of my product, and their mix of hands-on support and hands-off space was exactly what I needed."

Feedback from industry was equally positive, with Anita Lao of Bob Wood Cruise Group commenting, "I really enjoyed the event. The setup was great, everything was well laid out and easy to navigate. I especially liked that there were only a small number of suppliers; it made the experience feel a lot more personal and allowed for more meaningful conversations." These kinds of structured, well-supported engagements are exactly what’s needed to bridge the gap between regional operators and global cruise networks.

By creating space for local businesses to become cruise-ready and get in front of real buyers, BEDA’s initiative not only strengthens individual businesses but also bolsters the region’s broader visitor economy. Brisbane’s cruise future is looking bright — and more connected than ever.