The most extensive gathering of cruise line speakers ever has been announced for the 24th annual Australian Cruise Association Conference (ACA) and AGM being held from September 7-9 in Townsville, Qld.
Initially scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID lockdowns, the Conference, now appropriately themed “Charting the Future”, will be held at a critical time for the industry following the re-opening of Australia’s maritime borders.
“This is such an exciting time for the cruise industry, globally and within Australia. It is opportune that we all come together in September to develop a clear roadmap of recovery for the cruise sector,” said Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association.
An exciting line-up of keynote speakers has been announced including numerous cruise line executives – Marguerite Fitzgerald (Carnival Australia and P&O Australia), Stuart Allison (Princess Cruises), Gavin Smith (Royal Caribbean International), Tim Jones (Celebrity Cruises) and Sarina Bratton (Ponant).
They will be joined by other industry experts including Phillipa Harrison (Tourism Australia) and Adele Labine-Romain (Deloitte Access Economics) who will round out the two-day program to be held at the Ville Resort-Casino.
Following on from a series of successful workshops hosted by the ACA across key states, the Conference will provide a welcome opportunity for attendees to re-group in person from across the country, network with their peers and hear from a range of experts with both domestic and international knowledge.
The final day of the Conference will be spent on Magnetic Island at Peppers Blue Resort with a motivational breakfast followed by the AGM and Members’ Workshops.
“We have regularly held our conference in regional destinations,” noted Abel. “This year, more than ever, we are delighted to recognise the important role these destinations play in the cruise industry and support local businesses through this event.”
It is anticipated that around 120 people will attend the Conference which is being supported by Townsville Enterprise Limited, Port of Townsville and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Prior to COVID, Queensland’s cruise industry was worth $1.1B to the state’s economy with around 16 cruise ships visiting Townsville each season.
Recognising the importance of this opportunity to bring together key stakeholders in the industry to develop the roadmap for a cruise re-start, ACA has highly subsidised the registration fees for the Conference.
Members and stakeholders are advised to register at www.australiancruiseassociation.com/conferences.
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