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Industry leaders pay tribute to cruise pioneer Sarina BrattonIndustry leaders pay tribute to cruise pioneer Sarina Bratton
June 5, 2024 – Cruise industry leaders have paid tribute to pioneering Australian businesswoman Sarina Bratton AM as she steps down from the board of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Australasia after almost three decades of service.Mrs Bratton is a past Chairman of CLIA in Australasia and founder of its precursor, the International Cruise Council of Australasia, which she helped establish in 1996. She is a recipient of CLIA’s Hall of Fame award and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant services to tourism, particularly the cruise industry, and to business.At CLIA’s recent Annual General Meeting for Australasia, the regional leaders of key CLIA cruise lines thanked Mrs Bratton, who is the Global Strategic Advisor and Honorary Chairwoman Asia Pacific for luxury exploration line, PONANT.“Sarina has been a standard-bearer for the Australasian cruise industry in ways that will have a lasting legacy for our community,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “She is a genuine pioneer of cruising in this part of the world, a highly respected businesswoman, and the first woman to be a cruise line founder.”CLIA Chairman in Australasia Peter Little thanked Mrs Bratton for her decades of service to the region’s cruise community.“Sarina has been an important voice for cruising throughout the Asia Pacific region and a tireless advocate to governments and industry stakeholders in Australasia,” Mr Little said. “She has helped shape cruising in Australasia and has been integral to the creation of a strong and successful CLIA membership.”Mrs Bratton has previously been Founder and Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises, Founder and Managing Director of Norwegian Capricorn Line, and Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific for Cunard Line. She has held board positions at numerous entities including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee, and Australian Trade Commission, among others. 05 June, 2024 -
New Zealand cruise market on track for recoveryNew Zealand cruise market on track for recovery
April 26, 2024 – The number of New Zealanders taking cruise holidays has risen to more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels, according to new data released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).The figures show 86,300 New Zealanders took an ocean cruise during 2023, the first full year of cruise operations within the local region. The result is down on the 106,300 New Zealanders who sailed in 2019, but in line with the cruise recovery seen in other parts of the world.“New Zealand was among the last countries to reopen to cruising, but New Zealanders began heading back to sea in significant numbers once ships returned,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “By the final quarter of 2023, the number of New Zealanders cruising had pushed ahead of the same quarter of 2019, suggesting demand is on track for recovery.”CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for New Zealand shows a clear preference for close-to-home itineraries during 2023, with 77.0% of Kiwis cruising in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Just over a quarter (25.1%) chose itineraries within New Zealand.The figures also show a fall in the average age of New Zealand passengers as cruise lines continued to attract younger generations. The average age of a New Zealand cruiser was 49.3 years in 2023, down from 52.4 years in 2019.Key findings from CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for New Zealand include:86,300 New Zealanders took an ocean cruise during 2023, representing 81.2% of the 2019 total of 106,300.The average duration of an ocean cruise taken by New Zealanders in 2023 was 9.2 days, slightly down from 9.6 days in 2019, reflecting an increase in short itineraries offered by cruise lines.The average age of a New Zealand cruise passenger was 49.3 in 2023, down from 52.4 in 2019, reflecting the increasing popularity of cruising among younger generations. Almost a third of New Zealand cruisers (30%) were aged under 40.The most popular cruise destination for New Zealanders in 2023 was the Pacific (39.1%), followed by New Zealand (25.1%), Australia (12.8%), the Western Mediterranean (3.6%), Alaska (3.1%), Asia (2.9%), and the Caribbean (2.3%).The number of New Zealanders cruising within New Zealand was equal to 2019 at 22,000.Worldwide, a record 31.7 million people took an ocean cruise during 2023, breaking the previous global record of 29.7 million in 2019.Mr Katz said although cruising had rebounded internationally, close collaboration was needed in New Zealand to address an anticipated decline in future cruise capacity and support the sustainability of cruise tourism into the future."New Zealand is a highly sought-after cruise destination and Kiwis have shown a passion for cruising in their own back yard, but it is important that the right settings are in place to ensure New Zealand is internationally competitive,” Mr Katz said. “Collaboration among government, ports and destinations is vital, along with balanced regulation and reasonable costs to fostering a thriving cruise economy in New Zealand.” 26 April, 2024 -
Australian cruise passenger numbers recoverAustralian cruise passenger numbers recover
April 16, 2024 – The number of Australians taking holidays at sea has overtaken pre-pandemic levels, according to new data released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).Figures for 2023 show the number of Australians who took an ocean cruise during the calendar year reached 1.25 million, slightly above the 1.24 million who sailed in 2019.CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for Australia confirms a recovery in the local cruise market, coming little more than 18 months after the resumption of operations in this region.“Australians have not just returned to cruising, they’ve come back with enormous enthusiasm and at a faster pace than in other markets worldwide,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “Australia has long been one of the world’s most passionate cruise source markets, and these figures confirm an enduring love for cruising among Australian travellers.”CLIA’s figures also show a revival in the number of overseas visitors cruising in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which reached 217,000 during 2023, a similar level to 2019.Australians showed a preference for close-to home itineraries – about 84.8% cruised within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific during 2023, up from 72.5% in 2019.The figures also show a fall in the average age of Australian cruisers as the sector continued to attract younger generations. The average age of an Australian cruise passenger was 48.4 years in 2023, down from 50.4 in 2019, while almost one third of cruisers (34%) were aged under 40.Key findings from CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for Australia include:1.25 million Australians took an ocean cruise during 2023, up from 1.24 million in 2019 and close to the all-time high of 1.35 million achieved in 2018.NSW remained the biggest source of Australian cruise passengers (720,849, or 57.7%), followed by Qld (287,259, or 23.0%), Vic (135,623, or10.9%), WA (47,508, or 3.8%), SA (47,415, or 3.8%), Tas (6,855, or 0.5%), ACT (2,275, or 0.2%) and the NT (1,764, or 0.1%).Cruising’s market penetration rate in Australia was close to 5% – almost one in every 20 Australians took an ocean cruise, one of the highest rates in the world.The average duration of an ocean cruise taken by Australians in 2023 was 8.1 days, down from 9.0 days in 2019, reflecting the rise in short-break cruises offered by cruise lines.The average age of an Australian cruise passenger was 48.4 in 2023, down from 50.4 in 2019, reflecting the increasing popularity of cruising among younger generations.The most popular cruise region for Australians in 2023 was Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific (84.8%), followed by the Mediterranean (5.3%), Asia (2.5%), Alaska (1.9%), Northern Europe (1.0%), the Caribbean (1.0%), Trans-Atlantic & World Cruises (0.8%), Hawaii & the US West Coast (0.7%) and Expedition Cruises (0.7%).The number of overseas visitors who cruised in Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific during 2023 was 217,000, a similar level to 2019.Worldwide, a record 31.7 million people took an ocean cruise during 2023, breaking the previous global record of 29.7 million in 2019.At 1.25 million passengers, Australia was the world’s fourth largest cruise market in 2023, behind the United States (16.9 million), Germany (2.5 million) and the United Kingdom (2.2 million).While demand for cruising is strong, Mr Katz said close collaboration from governments and ports was needed to support the sustainability of cruise tourism into the future."To maintain our position as a leading destination and meet demand, it's crucial that regulatory frameworks and port charges remain internationally competitive,” Mr Katz said. “Balanced regulation and reasonable costs are fundamental to fostering a thriving cruise sector capable of contributing significantly to the Australian economy.”Previous figures released last year by CLIA and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) showed a record economic impact from cruise tourism during the 2022-23 financial year, providing more than $5.6 billion for the national economy. The CLIA-ACA Economic Impact Assessment found more than 18,000 jobs were supported by cruise tourism around the country. 16 April, 2024 -
CLIA presents at G7 Transport Ministerial Session on Maritime ConnectivityCLIA presents at G7 Transport Ministerial Session on Maritime Connectivity
15 April 2024, Milan – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), represented by its European Chairman, Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, participated alongside the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in the G7 Transport Ministerial Session on Maritime Connectivity on 13 April 2024.At the meeting, Mr Vago expressed the cruise industry’s solidarity with the wider maritime sector on the imperative to ensure seafarer safety, considering current security threats in the Red Sea and elsewhere. CLIA highlighted how the maritime sector is united in condemning the attacks and is calling upon the international community to adopt the adequate measures to protect seafarers at the next IMO Maritime Safety Committee on 15-24 May 2024, and to develop adequate solutions to the crisis. The cruise industry employs one-third of the world’s seafarers and believes that safety must be integral to any international response to the security situation.Discussions also focused on what infrastructure investment will be needed to preserve global maritime connectivity in light of international climate change commitments. Adaptability of the global maritime network to reflect the new needs in decarbonised energy sources will be a key factor in maintaining global connectivity, while meeting climate objectives.Mr Vago said, “This was an important opportunity to raise the vital issue of seafarer safety with G7 Ministers. It was also valuable to discuss the industry’s transition to a future of low and net-zero carbon fuels and what this means for future maritime connectivity. It will be vital to ensure the new types of fuels and the necessary portside infrastructure are available at scale in the locations where they are needed to avoid bottlenecks in maritime routes.”This was an important opportunity to raise the vital issue of seafarer safety with G7 Ministers. It was also valuable to discuss the industry’s transition to a future of low and net-zero carbon fuels and what this means for future maritime connectivity. It will be vital to ensure the new types of fuels and the necessary portside infrastructure are available at scale in the locations where they are needed to avoid bottlenecks in maritime routes.Pierfrancesco Vago, Europe Chairman, CLIAThe cruise industry is leading a step change in the technologies and fuels used in shipping to address the climate challenge. Within the next two decades, starting already today, there will be ships sailing that will use new types of fuels as the industry moves away from fossil fuels towards low and net-zero carbon fuels. The new technologies that the industry is deploying and testing onboard cruise ships will also be critical for wider application across maritime.To help identify future needs, CLIA recently announced that it has launched a study on global investment needs to expedite the energy transition of our sector. This study will include a mapping on the infrastructure and energy needs at ports served by the cruise sector.The cruise industry plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing strategic maritime industrial capacity in Europe. Cruise ships represent 80% of the orderbook value for European shipyards, making our industry critical to maintaining the technical know-how of these countries in complex shipbuilding. 15 April, 2024 -
EU Tourism: Resilience in the climate crisis eraEU Tourism: Resilience in the climate crisis era
Travel and tourism industry unites to tackle climate changeRhodes, Greece, 9 April 2024 — Association representatives from the European travel and tourism sector (business and leisure)1 met in Rhodes, Greece, to sign a landmark declaration promising decisive action towards more sustainable travel and tourism. The joint declaration will serve as a roadmap to foster collaboration and help tourism reach its sustainability goals. Today, more than ever, the industry is committing to prioritise decarbonisation, enhance collaboration, and engage with policymakers in meaningful dialogue.With the EU elections just around the corner, we call on decision-makers to keep travel and tourism high on the political agenda and create dedicated budget lines for sustainable tourism initiatives. The declaration seeks to propel the travel and tourism industry towards a more resilient and sustainable future, while advocating for policy support at the European level.Key commitments from the declaration include:Decarbonisation: Implement comprehensive climate action plans at organisational level to minimise environmental impact.Consolidating pledges: Reaffirm and strengthen pledges to achieve decarbonisation targets by 2050, as endorsed in the Glasgow and Toulouse Declarations.Catalysing industry: Foster a culture of awareness and responsibility, by sharing best practices and providing expertise to advance decarbonisation efforts.Supporting SMEs: Assist small and medium-sized enterprises in adapting to climate challenges and accessing funding opportunities for decarbonisation initiatives.Education and training: Support initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce and tackle sustainable skill gaps.Collaboration: Commit to regular meetings to assess progress and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and shape a viable regulatory landscape with European and national policymakers.Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, stated: “Thank you for inviting me to what I consider a very important event and the signing of an important declaration to the extent that it brings together so many associations and representatives of the tourism industry to highlight what indeed is the most critical issue that tourism is facing today.”“I’m also very happy that this event takes place on the island of Rhodes because we all remember very well that Rhodes was hit very hard last summer by a very substantial wildfire, but it also managed to recover incredibly quickly. I think this is testimony not just to the reaction of the state, the regional government, the municipality, but also to the way the tourism industry and the community of Rhodes came together to support visitors.”Mr George Hatzimarkos, Governor of South Aegean Region, commented: “On this historic day, European travel and tourism associations gather to discuss how the industry can act for a more sustainable and resilient future. It is a great honour for the South Aegean Region to be at the centre of the dialogue.”1. The following organisations endorse this joint declaration:A4E, ACI Europe, CLIA, ECTAA, EEIA, ERA, HOTREC, IAAPA, IRU, Ruraltour. 10 April, 2024 -
State of the Cruise Industry Report 2024State of the Cruise Industry Report 2024
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2024 Stateof theCruise Industry report. This year’s report includes the release of 2023passengervolume, which reached 31.7million—surpassing2019by 7%.The reportalso shows continueddemandfor cruise holidays, notingintentto cruise at82%.The forecastforcruisecapacityshowsan increase of 10% from 2024 through2028,as cruise lines makeongoing, concrete progress inpursuit of net- zero emissionsby 2050.Other highlights include the forecast for cruise capacity through 2028 and a summary of the 2024 – 2028 cruise orderbook, as well as the latest cruise trends, which include.The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year.Cruises are a top choice formulti-generationaltravel – with more than 30% of families traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations.Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.Accessible tour excursions are on the rise—with 45% of cruise passengers booking an accessible tour for their most recent cruise.73% of cruise travelers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.Read morehere. 09 April, 2024 -
Global cruise leaders meet in Europe as the industry calls for action to increase production and supply of sustainable marine fuelsGlobal cruise leaders meet in Europe as the industry calls for action to increase production and supply of sustainable marine fuels
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the call for action at its European Summit in GenoaBased on 2023 consumption, CLIA estimates that 44,000 tonnes of sustainable marine fuels will be needed in Europe by 2025 to be in line with the EU decarbonization 2030 goals13 March 2024, GENOA —As global cruise leaders met in Genoa, Italy, today, the industry issued a call to governments to act to increase the production of sustainable marine fuels. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, estimates that 44,000 tonnes of sustainable marine fuels will be needed in Europe by 2025 to be in line with the 2030 EU decarbonization goals.At its European Summit in Genoa, CLIA revealed 55 cruise ships are on order representing an investment of €33.9 billion for the next five years. Cruise ships today, and those coming online, are among the most advanced and energy-efficient ships in history, as cruise lines continue to innovate to achieve a vision of net zero emissions by 2050.While investments in ship technology continue, the availability of sustainable marine fuels at scale is the missing piece in the puzzle.CLIA is calling on governments to help accelerate the transition by setting more ambitious production targets, particularly for synthetic and biofuels.Jason Liberty, global Chair, CLIA said, “The cruise industry is making enormous investments to lay the foundation for a future of low-to-zero carbon fuels. Collaboration with our industry’s global leaders and changemakers is critical to ensure that sustainable marine fuels are available, affordable, and scalable. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with ports, governments, and communities to fully realize the green transition of the maritime sector.”The cruise industry is making enormous investments to lay the foundation for a future of low-to-zero carbon fuels. Collaboration with our industry’s global leaders and changemakers is critical to ensure that sustainable marine fuels are available, affordable, and scalable.Jason Liberty, Global Chair, CLIACLIA is also calling for governments to reinvest the revenues received from maritime as part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to fund the necessary infrastructure and support the deployment of renewable energy solutions at an accessible price.CLIA is embarking on a research study to combine fuel infrastructure, technology, and sailing routes to identify the local investment needed for the industry to decarbonize by 2050.In cooperation with fuel producers and engine manufacturers, the cruise industry is pursuing a variety of sustainable energy sources. These sources include internationally certified sustainable biofuels, and synthetic e-fuels such as e-methane and e-methanol. Other sources being explored as part of hybrid solutions include electric batteries, bio-LNG, e-LNG, methanol, or hydrogen fuel cells.Notes to Editors:Based on 2023 annual consumption of 2.2m tonnes of fuel within the cruise sector (MRV data). The quota is based on the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) mandate.The lead sponsors for Cruise Week Europe 2024 are RINA and Fincantieri (Founding Leaders) and Lloyd’s Register, Welbilt and Luxury & Yacht Projects (Premier Contributors). The European Summit is supported by Risposte Turismo. For the full list of sponsors, making it possible for this unique event to take place, please click here: https://www.cliacruiseweek.com/sponsors/ 25 March, 2024 -
Italian Shipping Academy and CLIA build links for the future of cruiseItalian Shipping Academy and CLIA build links for the future of cruise
Genoa, 14 March 2024 – As the maritime industry works towards a more sustainable future, the Italian Shipping Academy (Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the CLIA Cruise Week in Genoa to develop together activities in recognition of their mutual interests in the field of maritime education and training.The aims of the MoU, signed at the Jean Nouvel Pavillion at the Genoa Fair by Italian Shipping Academy’s President Mr. Eugenio Massolo and CLIA’s Director General, Europe Mme Marie-Caroline Laurent, will include collaborative activities to encourage young people to consider a career at sea. The partnership between CLIA and IMSSEA (International Maritime Safety Security and Environment Academy) – the international agency of the Italian Shipping Academy – will include a wide collaboration in international projects, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and safety.Eugenio Massolo, President of the Italian Shipping Academy: “This MoU is a significant milestone for the Italian maritime industry and for our institution as well, because it can bring a stronger relationship between the Association and the future crews onboard. We are very glad to sign it today in Genoa, and we are looking forward to being involved in CLIA’s next activities to be engaged in a wider range of global opportunities.”Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe CLIA: “The cruise industry provides fantastic career options, offering an inclusive, multicultural work environment with excellent opportunities for advancement. We are very pleased to be building our cooperation with the Italian Shipping Academy to help inspire the next generation of seafarers”.The cruise industry provides fantastic career options, offering an inclusive, multicultural work environment with excellent opportunities for advancement. We are very pleased to be building our cooperation with the Italian Shipping Academy to help inspire the next generation of seafarersMarie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe CLIAIn 2024 cruise lines will employ a multinational workforce of nearly 300,000 seafarers, and tens of thousands of employees on land. CLIA member lines rely on a truly global workforce, representing more than 150 countries. The industry offers excellent opportunities for advancement and is proud of its high retention rates which are upwards of 80%.CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates, and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and widespread industry stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world.The Italian Shipping Academy, founded in 2005 and recognized as the ITS Foundation in 2011 with the name of “Higher Technical Institute Foundation for Sustainable Mobility – Maritime Transport and Fishing Sectors”, is a public institution that issues qualifications from the Ministry of Education in tertiary education. The “mission” of the Academy is to provide specialized training aimed at occupations with a high professional and technological content, based on the needs of companies in the industry, and in particular in the strategic areas of maritime and logistics. 25 March, 2024 -
Craig Harris joins CLIA Hall of FameCraig Harris joins CLIA Hall of Fame
March 9, 2024 – New Zealand maritime industry stalwart Craig Harris has been inducted into cruising’s Hall of Fame at the 21st Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia, recognising his leadership role in the industry for more than four decades.In front of more than 500 guests at a gala celebration in Sydney hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Saturday, Mr Harris was announced as the 18th member of the Hall of Fame by Ben Angell, the Chairman of CLIA in Australasia and Vice President & Managing Director of Norwegian Cruise Line APAC.“Craig has not only shaped but significantly advanced the cruise sector in our region,” Mr Angell said. “He is synonymous with innovation, dedication, and leadership, and his efforts have been pivotal in transforming New Zealand into a premier cruise destination,” he said. “He exemplifies the very essence of this award, encouraging us all to strive for excellence and to make a lasting difference in the world of cruising.”As the New Zealand Managing Director for ISS-Mckay Ltd since 2008, Mr Harris has been responsible for facilitating smooth cruise operations throughout the country as a provider of port agency and maritime services. Having founded Cruise New Zealand in 1994, he has fostered collaborations between ports, cruise operators, and the local tourism sector, opening new doors for the industry around the country.His other accolades have included becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and receiving the 2012 Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Award for outstanding leadership in the New Zealand tourism industry.Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) Regional Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific David Pratt paid tribute to Mr Harris and his contribution to the industry.“Craig’s knowledge and drive and support to the cruise industry is recognised globally,” Mr Pratt said. “Tirelessly working to maximise the community, passenger, vessel experience as well as crew welfare whilst in port, he has openly shared his knowledge and passion for the industry and helped forge the career paths and success of many.”CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said Mr Harris was a dedicated ambassador for New Zealand’s cruise industry.“Craig’s expertise stems from his seafaring background, and it has enriched vessel operations and passenger experiences across New Zealand,” Mr Katz said. “His legacy is an inspiration to us all, and his contributions will continue to shape the New Zealand cruise industry for generations to come.”CLIA’s 21st Cruise Industry Awards were held at Sydney’s Star Event Centre on Saturday March 9, where a total of 18 awards were presented to travel agents and other members of the Australasian cruise community. 09 March, 2024 -
Tourism and government unite as CLIA hosts on-board industry forumTourism and government unite as CLIA hosts on-board industry forum
March 8, 2024 – Tourism industry leaders and key government officials had a first-hand taste of this year’s vibrant summer cruise season yesterday, as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined with Celebrity Cruises to host Austrade’s quarterly national Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum in Sydney.More than 30 representatives from national industry bodies and government agencies boarded Celebrity Edge at Circular Quay, where they gained insight into Australia’s $5.6 billion-a-year cruise industry and its role within the broader tourism sector.CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz gave an update on the success of Australia’s cruise revival and the global industry’s path to decarbonisation, while Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Australia & APAC Tim Jones hosted a post-meeting lunch and inspection of Celebrity Edge.“Cruising has been the star performer in Australia’s tourism recovery and the current summer season is among the most successful we’ve ever had in this part of the world,” Mr Katz said. “Bringing tourism industry leaders and government agencies on board meant we were able to provide first-hand insight into this thriving industry, while at the same time discussing issues that affect Australia’s wider tourism economy into the future.”The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum meets quarterly for direct discussions between tourism industry leaders and partners in government. Yesterday’s forum included updates from Commonwealth agencies including Austrade, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.CLIA was joined by the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) as well as representatives from the office of the Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Australian Airports Association, Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association, Australian Business Events Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Regional Tourism, Australian Tourism Export Council, Australian Tourism Industry Council, Clubs Australia, Ecotourism Australia, International Education Association of Australia, Tour Guides Australia, Tourism and Transport Forum, Welcome to Country, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association. 08 March, 2024