Spread the love

Australian-based full-service tourism representation agency, Linkd Tourism, has been appointed by the Port of Seattle to provide Cruise & Stay representation in Australia and New Zealand following a competitive pitch process.

Linkd Tourism will position the Port of Seattle as a gateway to exploring the USA’s Pacific Northwest, targeting Cruise & Stay passengers from Australia and New Zealand. With 27,000 Australian cruisers visiting Alaska in 2018, the Port of Seattle has identified a strong opportunity to add pre- and post-cruise stays throughout Washington State.

In 2019, the Port of Seattle will have 213 sailings and will host 1.2 million cruise passengers. Each time a homeport ship docks at the Port of Seattle, it generates $4.2million (USD) to the local economy, contributing to Washington State’s $21 billion tourism revenue.

Patti Denny, the Port of Seattle’s International Tourism Development Manager, stated “The Cruise & Stay concept is a vital element of the Alaska cruise experience and many cruisers don’t realise the tourism opportunities that can be found in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle offers urban excitement, tempting cuisine, world-class wines and delicious coffee. For those that can stay longer, our three national parks, volcanic mountains, rainforests, wild Pacific beaches, historic seaport towns and orca whales are truly unique. Equipped with the experience and enthusiasm of the team at Linkd Tourism, the Port of Seattle is eager to begin a journey of educating and influencing the Australian and New Zealand cruise market about the many treasures of Washington State.”

Of the appointment, Kylee Kay, Managing Director of Linkd Tourism, commented “I am thrilled to be working with the Port of Seattle and this represents an exciting development for Linkd Tourism as we expand our destination client portfolio. Almost one in 17 Australians took an ocean cruise in 2018, with numbers continuing to grow. Encouraging cruisers to explore destinations deeper and for longer, pre- and post-cruise, is integral to boosting the economic impact of cruise and airport businesses, whilst delivering multi-experiences beyond the gateways and off the beaten track.”

The Port of Seattle will launch into the market with a sales mission in late August, coinciding with CLIA’s Cruise 360 event in Sydney.

For further information, please visit www.linkdtourism.com or call the team on +61 7 55 686 700.