The ACA held a virtual annual meeting Friday, with the 2022 management committee unchanged.
Capt. Philip Holliday, ACA chair and CEO of the Port Authority of New South Wales, recognised the challenges the industry has faced but reported a positive outlook.
Strong demand
‘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,’ Holliday said.
Gavin Smith, chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and GM Australasia for Royal Caribbean International, spoke about the success of cruising’s restart around the world.
70% of CLIA fleet now operating globally
Smith said approximately 70% of the CLIA fleet is now operating and there have been 2,500 sailings since July 2020, with stringent health protocols in place.
He said there have been record levels of guest satisfaction and on-board spend, including the booking of shore excursions.
He said CLIA Australasia has worked closely with ACA on advocacy programmes over the past few years, a relationship he described as ‘critical, productive and successful.’
2022 management committee
Matthew Carley (Port of Brisbane), Scott Lovett (Tourism Northern Territory), Karlie Cavanagh (Inchcape Shipping Services) and James Coughlan (Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services) were re-elected to the 2022 management committee for another term.
Philip Holliday, Anthony Brent (Akorn Destination Management) and Kristy Little (Tasports) were not up for re-election and have another year to serve.
‘I look forward to working with the committee as we move toward a much hoped for cruise restart in Australia in 2022,’ ACA CEO Jill Abel said.
‘It will be exciting to have cruise ship visits back on the agenda to support jobs and economic growth in our gateway cities and regional communities,’ she said.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed. |