ACA delegation to Seatrade

A DELEGATION of Australian Cruise Association (ACA) members has headed to Seatrade Cruise Global to be held in Fort Lauderdale (pictured) next week.

Representatives from state tourism organisations, ports, ground handlers, and shipping agents make up the 14-strong delegation, led by ACA Chair, Philip Holliday and Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel, who will be attending for the 17th year.

Tourism Australia will be represented for the first time, following the recent MOUs inked with the national tourism office.

ACA will also again partner with the New Zealand Cruise Association whose delegation will be led by Chief Executive Officer Kevin O’Sullivan.

Abel will moderate a panel while at Seatrade, consisting of speakers from the NT, Tasmania, Queensland, as well as Tahiti and New Zealand.

This will provide an opportunity to showcase the region’s destination offerings to attendees and discuss the opportunities and the challenges for the future, with Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Joel Katz, to provide the opening remarks.

“Regarded as the cruise industry’s most significant worldwide event, Seatrade provides our organisations the opportunity to present a strong regional offering to the over 80 cruise lines attending this important global event,” Abel said.

“Our near record delegation represents the energy and enthusiasm illustrated by our industry and the commitment to not just return to pre-pandemic numbers but to outpace those results.

“Attending Seatrade gives our members the opportunity to meet with key decision makers from around the world in one place at one time and have discussions around the important destination development taking place in our region which will fuel itinerary planning for the future.”

Abel said the delegation’s schedule is already back-to-back.

“The meetings we will hold with the individual cruise lines will give us the opportunity to discuss the best way to move forward as we all face the challenges of a fastpaced re-start.”

Attendees will also be invited to ‘come and say G’day’ on 29 Mar, as ACA hosts its renowned hospitality afternoon at booth #2139, showcasing regional produce and beverages.