AUSTRALIA’S two largest cruise markets could be back sailing by the start of next year, after New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was in discussions “right now” with the Australian Government about relaunching the cruise industry. The Premier said on Fri the talks had been launched by his...
AUSTRALIA’S two largest cruise markets could be back sailing by the start of next year, after New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was in discussions “right now” with the Australian Government about relaunching the cruise industry.
The Premier said on Fri the talks had been launched by his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian, who had engaged Prime Minister Scott Morrison about a restart.
The revelation comes just a few weeks after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said plans were underway for a number of intrastate small cruises to begin sailing up and down the state’s coast from next year (CW 24 Sep).
Perrottet said he was “very on board” with restarting cruising, sentiment welcomed by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz.
The Association’s local head said after months of persistence, it is clear there’s a positive change in the discussions the industry is having with governments.
“There is now a clear will to make progress towards a careful resumption of cruise operations in Australia,” Katz declared.
“The latest comments from NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet are very encouraging and so we look forward to having further discussions to ensure this is translated into action.
“Given the progress Australia is making towards reopening borders and reviving travel, it makes no sense to exclude cruising when our industry has committed to the most stringent health protocols to be found anywhere in tourism.”
Meanwhile, CLIA’s membership drive for next year begins today, with bonus commissions, live events and an expanded education program to be among key benefits.
Back for next year will be CLIA’s Travel Agent Rewards Program (CW 15 Oct 2020), first introduced one year ago, to provide members with bonus commissions and other rewards when making bookings with participating CLIA members.
The Association’s membership program for next year will also see the return of live events, including the annual Cruise360 Australasia conference which is scheduled to be held in Sydney on 04 Mar, after 2021’s event was replaced with the online Cruise Forum (CW 27 Aug).
With teaching to become a key focus next year, the travelling education program CLIA LIVE will also return to an in-person format, visiting major cities throughout next year.
