Aussie businesses support cruise
AUSTRALIAN businesses have united to support plans for a cruise industry revival (CW breaking news Fri).
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has created the Cruise Suppliers Advisory Group, which is made up of some of the thousands of businesses that supply cruise lines’ on-board operations, and have been impacted by the suspension of Australia’s $5 billion-a-year cruise industry.
Representatives including farmers, food wholesalers, beverage providers, transport companies and more have joined to give force to a phased resumption of cruise operations in Australia.
CLIA says more than 18,000 jobs are at risk across the country due to the cruise industry’s suspension, with Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz adding the Group would meet regularly as part of efforts to ensure the industry’s voice is heard by governments at state, territory and national levels.
The Group will also assist government in creating a pathway towards a carefully managed and responsible resumption of cruise tourism in Australia.
“Many of these suppliers have been devastated by the suspension of cruise operations in a similar way to members of the travel and tourism industry,” Katz said.
“There are farmers, winemakers and technical providers who have lost an enormous portion of their business because cruise lines are no longer able to purchase their products and services.”
The Cruise Suppliers Advisory Group’s initial representatives are Michael Andrews (Andrews Meat Industries), Stuart Asplet (Geodis Australia), Steven Biviano (Select Fresh Providores), Graeme Blackman (Inter-Marine), Alex Chrysoglou (Pegasus Supply Solutions), John Kollaras (Kollaras & Co, pictured), Paul Moraitis (Morco Fresh); Paul Nelson (In2food); Mark Phelan (Bunzl); and Kerry Smith (PFD).
The impact of the cruise shutdown on some members of the Group was highlighted on ABC News last night, in a segment which featured Katz and Breakaway Travel’s George Vella speaking about how agencies have had to continue operating to support clients through the pandemic, despite no income.