The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) welcomes the re-start of the cruise industry today as the first international ship arrives back into the country following the announcement of the lifting of the cruise ban last month by the Federal Government.
Numerous international cruise ship arrivals are now scheduled through the end of the year joining the Australian-based expedition ships which have continued to cruise along the country’s coastline.
“After a two-year pause in cruising, we are looking forward to seeing international cruise ships arrive back into Australia signalling a return to economic growth for this important sector of the tourism industry,” said Australian Cruise Association CEO, Jill Abel.
“We have worked closely with our industry partners to hold extensive discussions with Federal Government around the health and safety protocols required onboard and onshore to make this cruise re-start possible so this is understandably a very exciting day for us all.”
Pre-pandemic the cruise industry contributed $5B to the Australian economy and supported around 18,000 jobs.
The Australian Cruise Association represents organisations responsible for the shoreside operations of cruising. “This is great news for our members who have been at an enormous economic disadvantage over the past two years,” Abel continued.
“From ports to provedores, ground handlers to transfer companies, restaurant owners and tour operators – this announcement signals exciting times ahead as they prepare to welcome back cruise passengers and crew from today to our city gateways and very importantly, smaller regional ports on the blue highway who rely on cruise visits for their livelihood” Abel concluded.
In preparation for the re-start, ACA has begun holding workshops around the country to help prepare its members for the return of cruising.
Edited by: Stephen Morton
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