| ACA “glimmers of light”

THE Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has cited a positive outlook for the sector, with huge potential ready to be unleashed as soon as Governments lift their current restrictions on cruising.

Speaking at the ACA annual general meeting, which was held virtually last Fri morning, Chair Philip Holliday (pictured) recognised the challenges which had faced the industry since the start of the pandemic.

However “demand for cruising is strong, and bookings for the coming years clearly indicate that all we need is approval to operate and the industry will quickly return,” he said.

“We have supported each other this far, and there are glimmers of light ahead,” Holliday added.

The meeting was opened with remarks from Gavin Smith from Royal Caribbean Group, who is also Chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, who noted the success of cruise restarts in other parts of the world.

Approximately 70% of the CLIA global fleet is now operating – about 2,500 sailings since Jul 2020 with stringent health protocols in place – with record levels of guest satisfaction and onboard spend, including the booking of shore excursions.

Smith also hailed the close relationship between CLIA and ACA in recent years on joint advocacy programs, saying the collaboration had been “critical, productive and successful”.

The ACA AGM also confirmed votes for office bearers for the coming year, seeing Matthew Carley from Port of Brisbane; Scott Lovett of Tourism NT; Karlie Cavanagh from Inchcape Shipping Services; and James Coughlan of Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services all re-elected to the Management Committee.

Incumbents Anthony Brent of Akorn Destination Management, Kristy Little from Tasports and Philip Holliday of the Port of Authority of NSW were not up for re-election, and have a year remaining in their positions.

CEO Jill Abel said she looked forward to working with the Committee “as we move toward a much hoped-for cruise restart in Australia in 2022”.