In a keynote address at the Australian Cruise Association annual conference in Brisbane last week, Darr highlighted the strong growth and innovation that is defining the international cruise industry globally, and the economic benefits this can bring to destinations around the world.
However, he warned that while the rest of the world was enjoying strong economic growth from cruise tourism, Australia was losing out – despite strong demand in the local market.
‘We shed A$1.1 billion year-on-year in terms of cruising’s economic contribution in Australia last financial year, against a total economic output of $7.3 billion,’ Darr says. ‘That means Australia is missing out on economic opportunities, and that impacts communities and people throughout the country.’
CLIA and cruise lines have warned that the economic benefits of cruising have declined as fewer ships visit Australian waters due to regulatory uncertainties and rising costs.
CLIA and cruise lines have called for a national approach to fostering cruise tourism in communities around the country, with a focus on creating a practical regulatory framework and long-term certainty to lift Australia’s competitiveness, attract ships to local waters, and protect Australian jobs.
