South Pacific synergies

2017 is supposedly the year for new beginnings and we are delighted to start the year right by welcoming back New Caledonia as an ACA member. Members since 2001, they had taken a one year absence. “We re-joined ACA because the cruise industry in New Caledonia is growing quickly and it is in our best interests to work strategically with Australia, our closest neighbour” said Jean-Michel Foutrein. New Caledonia is just one of our South Pacific members which also include Papua New Guinea (2005), The Solomon Islands (2006), Indonesia (2009) and a longstanding MoU with Cruise NZ. We are delighted to have such a diverse regional representation which allows us to share our knowledge, expand itinerary options, and deliver consistency with our shore experiences. Working co-operatively in these areas helps us to strengthen the region as a year round cruise destination which is obviously attractive for the cruise lines. This year we will also have a united presence at Seatrade Global in Florida with NC, NZ, PNG and Australia sharing one stand. We will get together in advance to develop future strategies and meet with other global cruise associations such as Cruise Europe. I spoke with Alcinda Trawen recently from PNG Tourism who reinforced the benefits of working together saying “Being a part of ACA has allowed us additional exposure in the broader region through networking, participation in Seatrade and the ACA Conferences. All have been fruitful in increasing PNG’s exposure as an emerging cruise destination”.