ACCI joins chorus calling for cruise

THE Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has added its voice to sectorwide efforts urging the Federal Government to allow cruise ships to return to local waters, saying that while cruising has already resumed responsibly in other parts of the world, “our own industry remains anchored”.

ACCI CEO Andrew Mckellar (PICTURED) said that despite suggestions from Australian Federal Health Dinister Greg Hunt that cruising could resume before Christmas yesterday a firm commitment and timetable is needed for the industry to recommence.

“Indications are not enough... we cannot expect the cruise industry to set sail again with so much uncertainty," Mckellar said.

“Restarting the industry is not as simple as the Federal Government just lifting the ban... a industry restart takes months to the cruise of planning with staffing, catering and ship storage all needing to be considered,” he added. Mckellar said the Federal Government must provide a clear timetable for ending the current biosecurity determinations, adding that COVID-safe measures required for cruise ships to operate must also be outlined. “Further, we need state and territory governments to commit to accepting cruise ship arrivals,” the ACCI CEK said.

The organisation, which represents Australian businesses of all shapes and sizes right across the economy, noted that prior to the pandemic the $5.2 billion local cruise sector supported more than 18,000 jobs.

John Hart, Executive Chair of ACCI’s tourism division, said “the economic impact of cruising is significant, with the industry bringing key tourism dollars to regional and remote communities, while also benefiting the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors”.

“Just as the cruise ships that have recommenced operations internationally, the Australian cruise sector is ready and willing to operate within any required COVID safe measures.

“They just need to know what they are so they can start to prepare,” Hart added.