Australia remains one of the most passionate cruise markets in the world.
That was the key message as the biggest cruise trade exhibition ever held in the Southern Hemisphere kicked off in Sydney today.
Under the theme Embrace The Future, some 37 cruise lines and 48 exhibitors gathered with 850 travel agents as Cruise360 Australasia took place at the International Convention Centre.
Describing it as “one of the most important tourism events in this region”, Joel Katz, CLIA Managing Director in Australasia, painted a bright picture for the future of cruising Down Under.
“I want to thank you for your energy, your professionalism and your dedication to cruising. Your presence here today in such numbers really is a testament to the opportunities ahead of us and indeed, those opportunities are considerable.”
Mr Katz revealed that cruise figures worldwide were due to reach more than 34 million in 2024 and 36 million in 2025. In Australasia, cruise figures reached 1.34 million in 2023 with Australia contributing 1.24 million alone.
“This is one of the most passionate cruise markets in the world and we have very good reason to be confident that this passion will continue despite the cost of living pressures that we’re all seeing,” Mr Katz said.
Recent announcements that some cruise lines will not be returning Down Under have hindered capacity but Mr Katz said CLIA was working with governments on both sides of the Tasman to allow cruising to thrive going forward.
“Sustainability, including our industry’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2050, is the most important challenge that our cruise lines are facing,” he added.
“CLIA plays an important role in working with our cruise line members and destinations to support the responsible management of cruise tourism.
“This will continue to be a key focus of our industry as we work to create solutions in tourism management, demonstrate environmental progress and bring those economic benefits to the communities around the world.”
The event also included a number of panel discussions and an exhibition where agents mingled with travel suppliers and other travel providers.
“We have a great deal of optimism for what we can achieve together as a cruise community,” said Mr Katz.
“We know that we’ve overcome enormous challenges together over recent years and we’ve re-established a strong and prosperous industry, one that brings billions of dollars in economic benefits to communities around our region.
“We will no doubt continue to face challenges ahead on a global scale, as well as at regional level, but we’ve all shown before what we can do as a united cruise community.
“So I’m confident that we can achieve the right settings to allow a very positive and sustainable development into the future.”
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