CLIA highlights impact of shutdown
CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) is aiming to mobilise support for a phased reopening of the sector in Australia and New Zealand, in a major activation of its #WeAreCruise initiative.
The campaign includes a new video series that will see businesses voice their support for a “carefully planned revival” of the cruise sector in the region.
Suppliers, travel agents and other industry participants continue to suffer economic devastation, with the videos highlighting the financial impact suffered by local businesses and the estimated 25,000 jobs at risk across Australasia while cruise bans remain in place.
An initial four videos will be released on social media over the next two months, as part of a wider campaign which also saw mainstream print media coverage over the weekend in Australia.
“Thousands of travel agents and other businesses across Australia and NZ have been devastated by the suspension of cruise operations and tens of thousands of jobs are at risk,” said CLIA MD Australasia Joel Katz.
“While the suspension has been the right response to COVID-19, it’s absolutely vital that we open a pathway towards resumption with extensive health measures in place, so we can bring an economic revival to communities around our region,” he said.
The #WeAreCruise series will initially tell the story of four businesses, including Brisbanebased family-owned cruise specialist travel agency Clean Cruising (pictured) which has lost most of its income despite a massive workload processing refunds and making alternative arrangements for clients.
Other businesses to be highlighted include Indigenous tour company Wijingarra Tours in Western Australia’s Kimberley region which has been forced to cancel this year’s season, Christchurch-based Hasslefree Tours whose operations have been suspended, and NSW beverage wholesaler Kollaras & Co, whose major clients include cruise lines which source their wines and beers locally.
Katz urged travel agents and other industry supporters to join the campaign, share the videos and “amplify the industry’s voice to governments” - see the website at wearecruise.org.