CLIA says Australia’s cruise economy lost A$1.1 billion
The association and cruise lines are seeking a national regulatory approach as ship deployment declines.
Australia’s cruise sector recorded a A$1.1 billion year-on-year decline in economic contribution during the last financial year, according to Cruise Lines International Association Global President and CEO Bud Darr. He put the industry’s total economic output at A$7.3 billion.
Darr said reduced cruise deployment was affecting a broad range of businesses, including travel advisors. CLIA and cruise lines attributed the decline in economic benefits to fewer ships visiting Australian waters amid regulatory uncertainty and increasing costs.
Cruise deployment decisions are made years ahead, Darr said, with Australia competing against other destinations for ships. In his assessment, rising costs, complicated processes, uncertain requirements and a challenging regulatory environment have weakened Australia’s competitiveness and constrained cruise tourism growth.
Australian cruise-industry suppliers have established the Paddock to Port Alliance to highlight cruising’s importance to local businesses nationwide. CLIA and cruise lines have also called for a national approach featuring a practical regulatory framework and longer-term certainty, which they say would improve competitiveness, draw more ships to Australian waters and protect local jobs.