The late Christine Cole has been posthumously inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame, recognising her outstanding contribution to the Australian cruise industry and her pivotal role in growing cruise tourism across Western Australia. The honour was presented during this year’s Western Australian Cruise Exchange in Perth.
Special tribute recognises industry pioneer
Cole was named a special Hall of Fame recipient during a dinner hosted by Tourism WA, recognising her tireless work to strengthen the cruise industry and create tourism opportunities for communities throughout Western Australia. While the Hall of Fame is traditionally presented during CLIA’s annual Cruise Industry Awards, the association chose to honour Cole during the Western Australian Cruise Exchange as a posthumous tribute following her passing in May 2026.
CLIA Executive Director Australasia Joel Katz said Cole’s influence extended well beyond ports and cruise ships.
“Christine understood that growing a successful cruise industry was not simply about ships and ports. It was about relationships, trust, patience and bringing people together around a shared purpose,” Katz said.
A legacy that shaped WA cruise tourism
During a 25-year career with Tourism WA, including her role as Cruise & Niche Tourism Manager, Cole led the development and implementation of the State’s 10-Year WA Cruise Tourism Strategic Plan, managed eight Western Australian Cruise Exchange events and secured two national cruise conferences over the past decade.
Katz said Cole worked tirelessly with cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism operators and local communities to build the partnerships that helped Western Australia’s cruise industry mature and prosper. He said her legacy lives on through the strength of the State’s cruise sector and the respect she earned from colleagues across the industry.
