Tim Jones, Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Australia & APAC; Samantha Palmer, General Manager of Austrade’s Visitor Economy and Client Programs Division; Joel Katz, CLIA Managing Director in Australasia; Jill Abel, Australian Cruise Association Chief Executive Officer; and Mikaela Wangmann, Tourism Advisor to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
Tourism industry leaders and key government officials had a first-hand taste of this year’s vibrant summer cruise season yesterday, as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined with Celebrity Cruises to host Austrade’s quarterly national Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum in Sydney.
More than 30 representatives from national industry bodies and government agencies boarded Celebrity Edge at Circular Quay, where they gained insight into Australia’s $5.6 billion-a-year cruise industry and its role within the broader tourism sector.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz gave an update on the success of Australia’s cruise revival and the global industry’s path to decarbonisation, while Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Australia & APAC Tim Jones hosted a post-meeting lunch and inspection of Celebrity Edge.
“Cruising has been the star performer in Australia’s tourism recovery and the current summer season is among the most successful we’ve ever had in this part of the world,” Mr Katz said. “Bringing tourism industry leaders and government agencies on board meant we were able to provide first-hand insight into this thriving industry, while at the same time discussing issues that affect Australia’s wider tourism economy into the future.”
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum meets quarterly for direct discussions between tourism industry leaders and partners in government. Yesterday’s forum included updates from Commonwealth agencies including Austrade, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
CLIA was joined by the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) as well as representatives from the office of the Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Australian Airports Association, Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association, Australian Business Events Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Regional Tourism, Australian Tourism Export Council, Australian Tourism Industry Council, Clubs Australia, Ecotourism Australia, International Education Association of Australia, Tour Guides Australia, Tourism and Transport Forum, Welcome to Country, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association.
