| CLIA hails Tourism Minister’s promise

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz (pictured) has welcomed comments by Minister for Tourism Dan Tehan on Mon that it would be “wonderful to get more cruise ships operating around Australia” (CW yesterday).

Speaking at the News Corp Australia Future of Travel forum on Sydney Harbour, Tehan confirmed the current ban on foreign-flagged vessels in Australian waters would be reviewed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee within the next couple of weeks.

The Australian Govt’s current Human Biosecurity Emergency declaration, which enacts the ban, is set to expire on 17 Jun, with an update expected shortly based on the latest health advice.

Responding to the update, Katz said Tehan’s pledge of a review was a welcome sign of progress, after months of discussions between the cruise industry and the Government.

“The Minister’s comments are very encouraging, and we’ll continue to push for a clear path to resumption in Australia,” Katz enthused.

“With more than 18,000 jobs at stake, it’s vital that we keep up our momentum,” he said, stressing the importance of a framework for resumption allowing ships to operate in a domestic bubble, supported by federal, state and territory govts.

Katz also noted strong community support for CLIA’s Ready Set Sail campaign (CW 12 May) which has so far seen more than 38,000 Australians email their political representatives.

“It’s important that we continue to send a clear message in support of cruising’s resumption,” the CLIA MD added.