Joel Katz, Managing Director CLIA Australasia
New Executive Committee
At CLIA’s recent AGM, a new executive committee was elected. On behalf of all our members, CLIA acknowledges and thanks these cruise line executives for their commitment to provide guidance and support to the activities of CLIA.
Newly elected were Sture Myrmell, (Carnival Australia) as chair, Susan Bonner (RCL Cruises) and Ben Angell (NCLH), who will also lead the trade relations sub-committee.
Sarina Bratton (Ponant) was re-elected as deputy chair and to lead the advocacy sub-committee. Outgoing chair Steve Odell (NCLH), Andrew Millmore (Travel The World Group), Jennifer Vandekreeke (Carnival Cruise Lines), and Lynne Clarke (MSC Cruises) were all re-elected.
Karen Christensen of Crystal Cruises stepped down from the executive committee after a long association with CLIA, and we thank her for her dedication over many years.
NSW Cruise Development Plan
The past month saw the long-awaited release of the NSW Government’s Cruise Development Plan.
CLIA has been advocating for a number of years for the NSW Government to recognise the growth and importance of the cruise industry, and specifically to address the Sydney infrastructure constraints.
Following the Federal Government ruling out shared use of Garden Island during the peak cruise season, the NSW Government will now focus on the feasibility studies required for the development of an additional cruise facility at Port Botany.
Under the plan, the much-needed facility will ease port congestion which currently constrains industry growth, and together with the existing terminals at Circular Quay and White Bay will mean that Sydney Harbour remains a major cruise hub.
Other actions laid out in the Government’s plan include support for regional ports to improve as cruise destinations, and their commitment to work with the Federal Government to remove regulatory barriers affecting the cruise industry are also positive developments.
Having a clear plan of action is a step forward to achieve greater certainty and a platform for the continued growth of our industry across the region.
Cruise360 again a success
The end of August once again saw CLIA’s Cruise360 Australasia Conference and Trade Show, the southern hemisphere’s largest cruise industry event, now covering two full days of activities.
Cruise360 brought together almost 580 travel professionals, cruise line representatives, industry suppliers and CLIA preferred partners for an educational event designed to equip agents with the best practice, tips and knowledge to continue to grow their cruise business.
On behalf of the CLIA executive committee we’d like to thank our travel agents who choose to attend Cruise360. By making the decision to attend you commit yourself to become better cruise sales agents. In addition, we’d like to acknowledge our sponsors, trade show exhibitors and media partners, without whom we would not be able to provide such a successful event.
