“We need action” – CLIA presses Australia over fewer ships, regulation and port charges

• While more Australians want to cruise, capacity is in decline.
• Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA) has worked with NZ to hold government talks.
• Now they are calling on Australia to do the same.

The Australian cruise industry has been urged to keep up the pressure to get the Australian government to help remove the barriers that have meant fewer cruise ships this season.

An upbeat CLIA MD Joel Katz told the biggest CLIA 360 conference in Brisbane that while the industry could be set for a record year, capacity is in decline.

Cruise Passenger has been reporting on the decline for some months. Regional ports are particularly hard hit, with fewer port calls at cities like Melbourne, Adelaide and even smaller ports like Eden in NSW.

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Katz told 850 delegates: “As you might recall, we have been warning for a number of years that this is an expensive operating region, with complex regulatory requirements

“So it is no surprise that we are now seeing the consequences, with some areas experiencing reduced visitation compared to previous years. This highlights what our industry has been saying for some time – that we need action to improve the operating environment, and we need to address rising costs that deter ships from our shores, ensuring that Australasia remains an attractive and competitive destination for cruise tourism.

NEW ZEALAND SHOWS THE WAY

Pleasingly, our work in New Zealand is already showing positive results. Determined advocacy efforts by CLIA, our cruise lines, and Kiwi partners , have resulted in a very clear acknowledgment from the national government that work is needed.

“Government Ministers across all areas of government have  declared New Zealand open for business, and they have spoken clearly about their commitment to supporting cruise tourism.  Indeed, so has the NZ Prime Minister.

“There is still much to be done, but we are pleased with the support we have built and the positivity we are experiencing.

“In Australia, we are actively working to build similar momentum, and advocating hard at many levels. We are working at all levels of government, with our stakeholders in ports and destinations, among industry suppliers, and with partners.

“And many of you help too – in your local community, within your business circles, in your dealings with local government and with your MPs. So please continue to help us remind them of the importance of cruise tourism, and the 36,000 Australian and New Zealand jobs that depend on a prosperous cruise economy.”

Many leaders echoed the need to reduce costs and regulation.