CDU 2015 is a wrap
AND the winner is …Sydney!
So ended the very successful
CDU annual conference held
recently in Darwin with the
announcement that next year’s
event – the 20th anniversary –
will be held in the marquee port
of Sydney.
Hosts Destination NSW and
the Port Authority of NSW are
already planning how they can
best the outstanding results
achieved this year.
Over 100 attendees heard
presentations by a record five
international speakers who led
lively discussions around key
issues for the future growth of
the cruise industry.
• China will become the world’s
largest cruise market by
2020 constrained only by the
number of ships, not pax.
• Millennials will outnumber
boomers by 2030 – for them,
“experiences trump collecting
things” with relevant onshore
itinerary development critical.
• Environmental issues are a
priority for cruise lines.
These quality speakers were
joined by Australian tourism,
port and cruise experts who
discussed the challenges and
opportunities around running
ports, provisioning of ships & the
important role of port agents.
An early look at the CDU
Economic Impact Report also
presented with good news
industry-wide as the number of
visiting ships, passengers and
expenditure are all on the rise.