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Registration opens for Australian Cruise Association conference

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Townsville, a coastal city in northeastern Queensland, is the venue for ACA 2021
Discounted early-bird registration for the Australian Cruise Association conference and annual general meeting in Townsville, September 8-10, is available until July 31.

As reported in the June issue of Seatrade Cruise Review, the theme of this year’s event is ‘Passage to Recovery’ and guest speakers include Royal Caribbean International’s Gavin Smith, Carnival Australia’s Sture Myrmell, Princess Cruises’ Stuart Allison and the founder of Australia’s Respond Global, Dr Ian Norton.

Reduced rates

The full member rate of A$550 has been reduced to A$400 for registrations made by the end of this month. The full non-member rate of A$800 has been reduced to A$700.

ACA CEO Jill Abel said the conference is expected to attract 100 delegates and will be held one week before international borders are currently scheduled to reopen.

Challenging time

‘There has never been a more challenging time for the cruise industry, globally and within Australia,’ Abel said. ‘It is essential that we all come together in September to develop a clear roadmap of recovery for the cruise sector.’

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACA 2020, slated for Townsville, was cancelled. The 2019 conference was held in Geelong, Victoria. 

Regional Australia

Abel said the last three conferences have been held in regional destinations and that this year, more than ever, it is important to recognise Australia’s regional ports.

A wide range of local tours are available to delegates before the conference opens at The Ville Resort-Casino.  A motivational breakfast and the annual general meeting will be held on the final day at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort on nearby Magnetic Island.

Townsville Enterprise Limited, Port of Townsville and Tourism and Events Queensland are supporting ACA 2021.