International tour operator Evergreen Tours has joined the International Cruise Council Australasia’s growing ranks to become the 27th member cruise line.

As a division of Scenic Tours, a river cruising company which has been a member of the Council for many years, ICCA Chairman Brett Jardine said it made good business sense for Evergreen Tours, which pairs land tours with cruises, to sign on with the Cruise Council.

“The Cruise Council will connect Evergreen Tours with well-qualified cruise consultants that are already highly engaged with the cruise industry through their Cruise Council membership,” he said.

Angus Crichton, General Manager of Evergreen Tours, said he looked forward to spreading the word about Evergreen Tour’s great value cruise touring options throughout Alaska and Europe amongst the Cruise Council’s travel agent members.

“With our tours taking in Europe’s scenic rivers and partnering with the Cruise Council’s member cruise lines in Alaska, this is a great opportunity for Evergreen Tours to build its profile amongst the cruise industry and travel agents,” Mr Crichton said.

Cruising in both Australia and New Zealand hit record highs in 2010, with almost half a million Australians and Kiwis holidaying at sea.

The International Cruise Council Australasia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996, committed to training travel consultants and raising consumer awareness of cruising.