Cruise Accelerator Programs
for Destinations & Operators
As cruise visitation across Australia and New Zealand continues to surge, regional destinations have a valuable opportunity to capture market share, by delivering immersive, cruise trade-ready shore excursion experiences.
Tonic Tourism Solutions delivers targeted, practical programs designed to help tourism bodies and operators successfully engage with the cruise trade. With deep expertise across the cruise distribution landscape - from ground handlers and inbound tour operators (ITOs) to cruise line product teams - we help destinations build reputation, trade engagement, and product readiness.
We support you in positioning your region as a must-visit stopover for international cruise passengers, showcasing experiences that are logistically smooth, commercially viable, and rich in local storytelling.
Our Services
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Cruise Accelerator Program - For Ports, Tourism Bodies & Councils
You’ve invested in world-class infrastructure and destination marketing. But are you truly cruise ready?
Cruise lines look for more than deep water and beautiful coastlines, they need destinations that are coordinated, connected, and commercially compelling. The Cruise Accelerator Program by Tonic Tourism Solutions helps destinations fast-track their readiness to attract, retain, and grow cruise visitation with confidence.
This program provides strategic, data-driven support to strengthen cruise positioning, build industry alignment, and identify high-impact opportunities for economic growth through the cruise sector.
Who It’s For
Ports, local councils and tourism organisations who:
Want to position their destination as a preferred cruise call or home port
Need guidance on developing a coordinated cruise strategy or master plan
Are ready to build trade relationships and attract new cruise itineraries
Seek expert insight into cruise industry structures, buyer expectations and trends
Next Steps
This is a collaborative engagement tailored to your region’s goals and cruise potential.
If you’re ready to accelerate your destination’s readiness and strengthen your cruise strategy - connect with us now! -
Become Cruise Trade Ready – On Your Terms
You have a great product. But is it cruise ready?
Cruise lines need more than an incredible experience, they need confidence in delivery, logistics, timing, pricing, and presentation. Tonic Tourism Solutions now offers an individualised version of our highly successful Cruise Trade Ready Program, designed specifically for tourism operators who want one-on-one support, fast.
This 4-week intensive is ideal for operators across Australia who want to access the fast-growing cruise market with a focused, expert-led program - tailored to your business, your product, and your goals.
Who It’s For
Tourism operators who:
Want to engage the cruise market but don’t know where to start
Have a strong product but need help refining it for shore excursion requirements
Missed the group Cruise Trade Ready program or prefer tailored support
Are located anywhere in Australia and want to access expert guidance remotely.
Next Steps:
This is a one-to-one engagement, and places are limited.
If you’re ready to unlock cruise line distribution and attract high-value visitors to increase your sales — contact us today.
We’ll help you identify your cruise potential, refine your product, and position your business for real commercial outcomes. Let’s make cruise work for you.
Why Cruise Trade Matters Now
Cruise lines are actively sourcing authentic, well-timed, sustainable experiences that appeal to a diverse international market. With new itineraries, more port calls, and stronger demand for regional product, now is the time to make your destination cruise ready and ensure your operators are trade-fit for long-term success.
Let’s Get Your Region Cruise Ready
We help destinations across Australia and New Zealand thrive in the cruise market by supporting local operators to deliver exceptional, bookable experiences buyers can trust.
Cruise Testimonials
The BEDA Cruise Accelerator program was the perfect length and struck the right balance for someone juggling the demands of running a small business. 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. It’s only the beginning of my journey into this market, but I now feel informed, confident, and equipped with the tools to pursue what I hope will be a rewarding new opportunity for my business.
Kylie Taylor, Straddie Brewing Co
Your dedication, industry-specific knowledge, and genuine passion were exactly what Brisbane needed to elevate our approach to cruise. You both brought clarity, momentum, and a fresh perspective to a space that’s long been in need of strategic focus.
What stood out most was how deeply you listened and tailored your approach to the real needs of our region. You helped connect the dots across stakeholders and inspired confidence in what cruise could become for Brisbane, not just another stop, but a destination in its own right.
If other regions are considering the program, my only advice is this: dive in headfirst. You won’t find a more committed or capable duo to help navigate those waters.
Pete Myers, Pineapple Tour
Thank you to you and Sharon for such a well-delivered and thoughtful program. I really appreciated the way the sessions were structured—everything was clear, engaging, and most importantly, relevant.
What stood out to me was just how practical the whole course was. The three key tasks we completed were all genuinely useful and not just exercises for the sake of ticking a box. It’s rare to finish a program with resources you’ll actually use in your business, but this one delivered exactly that.
Meeting the ground handlers face-to-face was another standout. Having the chance to speak with them directly gave us a much clearer understanding of what they’re looking for. That part of the program really brought everything together.
Katrina White, White Ridge Farm
Participating in the BEDA Showcase was not only energising but affirming. The space created for honest exchange, big ideas, and future-thinking around creative industries was incredibly valuable. It was refreshing to be part of something that centred regional voices while inviting strong, practical frameworks for future development.
Suzanne Goodchild, Birrunga Gallery
Thank you for the effort you and Sharon put into organising the yesterday event and for working so closely with the local suppliers in preparation for potential shore excursion opportunities.
The structure of the event, including the one-on-one meetings, was effective, allowing for quick conversations with operators and insight into their offerings, so it was helpful.
It’s clear there are some strong concepts and promising products that could be developed further for inclusion in our shorex programs. We’re excited about the potential ahead and look forward to continuing the dialogue with both you and the suppliers to bring some of these ideas to life.
Agnieszka Lotocka, Intercruises
Thanks so much for the invitation! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying 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. It didn’t feel rushed or overwhelming, which can often happen at bigger events but a few more minutes with each supplier would have been perfect.
The networking side of things was a real success for me. I came across several products that we don’t currently have, and I’m hopeful we can look at including some of them in our program. It was a great chance to explore fresh ideas and connect with the right people.
Overall, a really well-organized and enjoyable day. Glad I went.
Anita Lao, Bob Wood Cruise Group
Thank you for organizing the afternoon/evening, it is something that is required for cruise ship tourism in SE QLD
A start has now been made let’s hope the momentum is now there, fingers crossed it does not fade. Workshops like this can only help SE QLD, if the other states can do it why can’t us?
Jeff Barnard, Akorn Australia