Australia’s largest cruise operator Carnival Australia has appointed two new shore tour operators to manage passenger excursions in Australia for its locally based cruise ships.

Experienced tour operator, Bob Wood Cruise Group (BWCG), will manage shore tours in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory for P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, while Australian Shoreside Management (ASM) will oversee shore tours in Western Australia and New South Wales. Both companies will also provide shore tours for Princess Cruises’ international ships visiting Australia.

Announcing the appointments, Carnival Australia’s Senior Vice President of Strategy, Neil Linwood, said that BWCG and ASM had an excellent understanding of the cruise industry and its customers, as well as a commitment to delivering a quality product.

“While our ships are a destination in themselves, the ports we visit are also an integral part of the cruise experience,” Mr Linwood said. “It is very important to us that our passengers enjoy a great holiday on land as well as at sea, so we’re looking forward to working closely with both tour operators across our local ships.”

BWCG Managing Director, Tyler Wood, said: “Bob Wood Cruise Group is once again very excited to be partnering with Carnival Australia on its shore excursion program. As a leading ground operator in the Australasian market we recognise the need to cater to an ever changing and diverse market through the design and development of innovative touring options. We look forward to working closely with everyone involved to establish a strong and successful alliance.”

ASM Executive Director, Tanya McMahon said: “Australian Shoreside Management is delighted to be appointed by Carnival Australia as the shore excursion operator in both Western Australia and New South Wales. We look forward to working with Carnival in both states to further enhance the passenger experience and boost local tourism.”

Carnival Australia took the opportunity to thank AOT and Heritage Tours Australia for their service to Carnival Australia and its passengers in recent years.

“AOT and Heritage Tours Australia have been valued partners for Carnival Australia during an extraordinary three years of growth for the cruise industry,” Mr Linwood said.

BWCG and ASM are both already used by a number of Carnival Australia’s international brands including P&O Cruises World Cruising, Holland America and Seabourn.