Busselton has been acknowledged as one of the best cruise ship destinations in the world by Cruise Insight Magazine in its Spring 2017 issue.
The international cruise industry magazine awarded Busselton the Best Local Initiative award for 2016.
The annual awards recognise the ports and destinations that have delivered their product or service in an exemplary way during the past year.
Unlike many of the other winning destinations including Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Hong Kong and Vancouver, Busselton is new to hosting cruise ships, a fact acknowledged by the magazine.
Destinations considered for the Best Local Initiative category had to have a partnership of two or more organisations (or groups of people) who together went the extra mile to deliver a product or service that had or would enhance the delivery of the cruise product.
Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association chief executive officer Pip Close was thrilled with the win and said Busselton had delivered above and beyond the award criteria.
"Since the first cruise ship arrived in Busselton in late 2014 we had a growing team of dedicated community members and tourism industry representatives determined to create a positive and memorable experience for passengers,” she said.
"A combination of 70 meet and greet volunteers, Busselton Brass Band, the ArtGeo Cruise In Pop Up Market stallholders, Voices of Vasse, Busselton Veteran Car Club and local buskers creates a festive atmosphere to make cruise visitors feel especially welcome.”
City of Busselton mayor, Grant Henley agreed that the award belongs to the greater community.
“Passenger satisfaction surveys rate Busselton as one of the friendliest destination points on the Australian cruising circuit,” he said.
"This is thanks to community groups, local business and agencies coming together to create a vibrant and a genuinely friendly welcome.
“It is fantastic to be acknowledged for our collective efforts and this award is a great reflection on our community. I could not be prouder.”
Tourism WA chief executive officer Gwyn Dolphin congratulated everyone involved in the win and said that cruise was an important sector for the tourism industry in WA.
“Cruise contributed $275 million to the state’s economy in 2015-16 and supported nearly 1200 jobs," he said.
"Busselton has set the benchmark in delivering shore experiences that will keep people coming back and this award will have many future passengers including Busselton shore trips on their itineraries."
Five more cruise ships are booked to visit in 2017, and nine for 2018.
