| ICCA forging closer link to CLIA

A stronger alignment with the
world’s largest cruise
association is set to improve
local services and unify the
global industry.
THE International Cruising Council
Australasia (ICCA) is advancing in its
evolvement from training body to
“spokesbody”, with the next step to involve a
closer affiliation with the Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA) and a global
campaign that promises to unify the cruise
industry.
According to ICCA chairman Gavin Smith, an
enhanced relationship between the two
groups will see improvements in agents’
education as well as its economic impact
reporting, policy development and relations
with the government and media.
Introducing the ICCA Awards on Saturday
night, Smith told the 420 guests that it was
time for the Council to step up its charter to
be in line with the other leading cruise
markets of the world.
He said the Costa Concordia incident was
“an industry issue, not a brand issue” that had
highlighted the coordinated response of CLIA
in the United States, PSA in the UK and ECC in
Europe.
“However, ICCA was stranded in its current
role as an industry trainer, educator and
motivator of travel consultants – its role is not
yet that of an industry commentator or
spokesbody,” Smith said.
But, he added, ICCA “remains joined
together now as family” with these industry
bodies.
“We should not underestimate the key role
Australia and New Zealand will play in the
continued growth and success of the cruise
industry, and as a result we will need to play
our part in navigating policy, regulation,
legislation, responding to media and
monitoring consumer demand.
“This will be best achieved under the
watchful eye of a robust and effective cruise
association, playing a wide ranging role.”
Smith said the ICCA had already started “the
march towards unity, cooperation and
alignment with CLIA” while maintaining its
own identity under the guidance of the
Council’s board and general manager
Brett Jardine.
Chief executive officer of CLIA, Christine
Duffy, who had to cancel her attendance as
key speaker at the Awards due to her work
commitments in the US, also expressed her
desire to work more closely with the
Australian cruise industry.
“CLIA values its relationship with ICCA and
we are committed to working with agents,”
she said in a video statement that was
broadcast at the event.
“My hope is that the Costa incident will
draw the industry closer.”
Duffy also revealed that a major project was
underway to better align global cruising
markets.
“A campaign is coming soon to unify the
industry,” she said.