With 73% of cruise travellers and at least 70% of Australians’ international air sales relying on travel advisors when making bookings, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes two significant federal announcements that support the travel sector.
Last Friday, the Federal Government announced an extension to the Coastal Trading Act exemption for eligible cruise operators until the end of 2026 and a trial for an Australian Travel Declaration, a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card.
The extension of the Coastal Trading Act means eligible cruise lines can continue to carry passengers to and from Australian ports under existing arrangements.
This will reduce red tape and costs for cruise operations and provide certainty, which is great news for travel professionals selling cruising.
ATIA strongly supported the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on this campaign and commends the Government for its ongoing support of the cruise industry.
ATIA also welcomes the Federal Government’s trial for an Australian Travel Declaration, a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card, which will see passengers on select Qantas flights from New Zealand invited to complete the declarations through the Qantas app, up to 72 hours prior to arrival.
This will be expanded to other airlines and cruises as the program progresses.
New Zealand has also committed to upgrading its eGates. Contactless travel will see faster processing times at airports, where the latest technologies involving digital credentials and facial recognition are utilised.
ATIA has been united with other key industry associations in calling for seamless border facilitation and welcomes this investment into solutions to improve the border experience for travellers.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the organisation was proud to support its members and the cruise industry by lobbying for common sense decisions that support a thriving cruise sector.
“We believe the two-year extension is a sensible approach while the Government undertakes its broader review of the Coastal Trading Act, of which we will continue to support CLIA and its members.
“We also welcome the implementation of a digital update to the paper passenger card. ATIA has been united with other key industry associations in calling for seamless border facilitation, and this is a great step forward. It is a welcome investment into solutions to improve the border experience by travellers.”
