ACA’s industry input
Our Association is being increasingly called upon to provide critical input to important working groups focused on meeting the needs of the growing cruise industry. In addition to providing updates to state tourism meetings, including access working groups, I was called upon recently to be the guest speaker at the National Tourism Minister’s Meeting attended by Minister Steve Ciobo, State and Territory Tourism Ministers & ceos. This gathering gave me the opportunity to provide a perspective on the scope & future of the industry & to highlight the importance of the itinerary & destination experiences for cruise pax. It also allowed me to encourage the consideration of issues such as:
• Inclusion of cruise passenger numbers in the International and National Visitor Surveys
• Introduction of more user friendly cabotage/taxation regulations
• Greater alignment of state legislations to build consistent operating procedures for cruise lines
• Increased incentives for crew to disembark and add to the economic input of ship visits I am excited to report that Ports Authority NSW is already increasing its focus on crew visitation and recently added to its successful Discover Balmain/Rozelle program which services arrivals into the White Bay terminal. The authority is currently trialling a free shuttle bus service to Balmain’s retail district giving crew the opportunity to explore the local area. Free Wi-Fi is also being provided. Crew expenditure is an important economic benefit to the industry and it’s great to see these efforts being initiated by our members.