Cruise industry decries further extension of Australia cruise ban
A further extension of Australia’s cruise ban has been slammed as another ‘devastating blow’ to the industry.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said Australia had become the only major cruise market in the world without an agreed timeline to resume cruising.
It continues to put thousands of jobs and more than $5 billion a year to the Australian economy at-risk.
"The suspension of cruising has been devastating for the 18,000 Australians who depend on cruise tourism, including travel agents, tour operators, food and produce providers, entertainers, port workers and many other industry suppliers," Katz said.
"In other countries close to five million people have already sailed successfully under the cruise industry’s extensive new health protocols. We need federal and state governments to use the coming weeks for genuine discussions with the cruise industry."
The extension of Australia’s cruise ban was a further disappointment for thousands of cruisers who faced uncertainty around their future holiday plans.
"Cruising has changed enormously in response to the pandemic and the work our industry has done has resulted in health protocols that are successful in mitigating the risks of Covid-19," Katz added.
"With vaccination rates increasing and borders opening, we need agreement on the way forward throughout Australia so there can be a careful revival of cruise tourism."
Katz said it would still take several months of preparations before cruise ships could return to Australian waters.
"Cruising involves long lead-times, so it is essential that the industry can work closely with all governments and health authorities to establish detailed operational plans ahead of resumption," he said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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