Australian Cruise Association AGM elects new management committee

The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) held a virtual AGM last week, during which a new Management Committee for 2022 was appointed.
Chair of CLIA Australasia, Gavin Smith, provided the opening remarks with an update on the state of the industry globally.
He noted the success of the re-start around the world with approximately 70% of the CLIA fleet now operating – around 2,500 sailings since July 2020 – with stringent health protocols in place. He also pointed to record levels of guest satisfaction and onboard spend, including the booking of shore excursions.
He said, “CLIA Australasia has worked closely with ACA on advocacy programs over the past few years – a relationship he described as “critical, productive and successful.”
ACA Chair, Philip Holliday recognised the challenges which have been faced by the industry in the past two years but cited a positive outlook in his report, “Demand for cruising is strong and bookings for the coming years clearly indicate that all we need is approval to operate and the industry will quickly return. We have supported each other this far and there are glimmers of light ahead.”
Following a vote taken prior to the meeting, Matthew Carley, Port of Brisbane; Scott Lovett, Tourism NT; Karlie Cavanagh, Inchcape Shipping Services; and James Coughlan, Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services were all re-elected to the Management Committee for another term.
Anthony Brent, Akorn Destination Management; Philip Holliday, Port Authority of NSW and Kristy Little, Tasports were not up for re-election and have a year remaining on their positions.
“I look forward to working with the Committee as we move toward a much hoped for cruise re-start in Australia in 2022.  Our industry has been through two incredibly challenging years and it will be exciting to have cruise ship visits back on the agenda to support jobs and economic growth in our gateway cities and regional communities” said Australian Cruise Association CEO, Jill Abel.
John Alwyn-Jones, Crusie Editor