| Record number sign up to CDU Hobart

The 2012 Cruise Down Under
conference, which started
yesterday, has attracted a record
attendance of 128 delegates.
THE release of the 2011-12 CDU Economic
Impact Study has set the scene for robust
discussion at the annual industry event, held in
Tasmania for the first time in its 16-year history.
Leading the dialogue are four international
speakers, including Christopher Allen,
discussing global deployment and itinerary
planning for Royal Caribbean International and
Celebrity Cruises, and the company’s Port
Captain, Nikolaos Antalis.
Also speaking are Shirley Henderson,
manager shore excursions for Carnival UK, and
Sydney-based Jennifer Vandekreeke, director,
Carnival Cruise Lines.
The conference theme of “from ship to
shore” was selected to reflect the “era of the
cruise ship itself being promoted as a
destination”, CDU gm Jill Abel said.
“Given the full spectrum of cruise product
now available in the CDU region, it is
important that we understand, and further
develop, the relationship between the ship
and the shore – both from a nautical
perspective and from a destination experience.”
The international delegation was also hosted
on a familiarisation program showcasing the
shore excursion opportunities in Burnie, Cradle
Mountain, the Midlands, Port Arthur and Hobart.
“Meetings with Tasports have also been set
up to discuss further opportunities for multiple
port visits around the state,” Abel said.
“With the new generation of ships such as
the 3,800 passenger Voyager of the Seas
arriving this season, it is essential that the port
operations run smoothly.
“This will be assisted greatly by the Tasports
investment into the development of the
dedicated Cruise and Antarctic Facility at
Macquarie Wharf,” she said.
The conference will culminate in a gala
dinner to be held at the Museum of Old and
New Art (MONA).
Conference delegates will also have
opportunities to participate in optional tours
to the Coal Valley Wine region, Port Arthur
Historic Site and a bike decent down Mt
Wellington.