ACA community support

OVER the last 12 months it has been more critical than ever to stay in touch with our members to hear what they are doing and planning in their operations.

Last week we held an all members zoom call.

We discussed the challenges facing the industry – none more so than the impending finish to the JobKeeper program which will see many businesses impacted. ACA is continuing to join other leading industry groups to urge the Federal Government to develop a tourism industry focused support scheme from 01 Apr.

We also discussed the opportunities we are starting to see from the restart of expeditions. We were delighted to hear late last week that Ponant is planning a deployment of Le Laperouse and Le Soleal to Australia for eight itineraries including NSW, Tasmania, Qld, WA and SA.

It was encouraging to hear Tourism Minister, Dan Tehan’s recent message of support for the work being done by cruise lines around COVID-safe planning and his encouragement of Australians to book their cruises with confidence.

To support the resumption of small ship itineraries, ACA has committed to organising a series of “cruise ready” destination and industry workshops around the country providing updates on the extensive protocols being put in place to stage a safe, healthy and successful re-start.

We are planning on conducting these starting April and will involve CLIA and a range of cruise line representatives to provide insights into the steps they are taking.