Australia extends Coastal Trading Act exemption to 2026
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz welcomed Australia's decision to extend an exemption to the Coastal Trading Act until December 31, 2026, allowing eligible cruise lines to continue carrying passengers between Australian ports.
Katz said dropping the need for a licence to carry passengers to and from Australian ports provides clarity for cruise passengers, cruise lines and the Australian tourism industry.
CLIA advocacy
The extension of regulatory provisions follows advocacy from CLIA, cruise lines and key industry stakeholders.
Cruise ships made almost 1,400 port calls around Australia in 2022-23, creating an economic impact that supports more than 18,000 Australian jobs.
Upcoming review
Katz said CLIA and cruise lines look forward to participating in the Australian government’s upcoming review of the Coastal Trading Act, with a view to creating longer-term regulatory certainty for cruising in the region.
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