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Skål International Sydney (SIS) members and guest were treated to some cruising facts, figures and forecasts from guest speaker Peter Kollar, Head of International Training & Development, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and some inspirational destinations from Silversea at this month’s SIS networking lunch.

Silversea’s Christine Gardener began with an overview of Silversea’s all inclusive expedition cruising. Silversea’s 9 ships visit 965 ports, 600 of which are expedition ports, from the Arctic right down to the Antarctic. Their expedition ships can travel through sea ice and their zodiacs deliver guests to their bucket list experience. Guests are provided with the ultimate photographic opportunities and once in a lifetime experiences.
 
“Getting in and out of a Zodiac is really like getting in and out of a car, except that it’s more fun” said Ms Gardiner, “there’s always an activity happening so there’s no time to be bored”.
 
“In Antarctica there is a rule that you mustn’t get within 5 metres of the wildlife”, Gardiner went on to say, “however the penguins don’t know that and come wandering over and peck at your boots”.
 
Following Silversea’s inspirational destinations, SIS president Walter Nand provided an introduction to CLIA’s Peter Kollar, highlighting that Sydney was now at the start of its ‘wave season’ which provides a huge boost to its economy with an increased number of cruise ships in port.
 
Peter Kollar who leads CLIA’s development of cruise accreditation and vocational curriculum for travel agents, accessible in over 20 countries and winning global recognition, shared facts and figures on the cruise industry.
 
“Last year 26.7 million people cruised around the world, with North Americans still the leaders, but seeing a strong uptake in the Asian market”, said Mr Kollar, “and with the average age of cruising being 47”.
 
“In 2028 we estimate 40 million people around the world cruising”, he went on to say ” and we as a nation currently have 1 in 18 people cruising; Australians love cruising”.
 
Mr Kollar pointed out cruising is all about exposing yourself to new experiences. “It’s the Tapas of travel” he said, allowing people to try things they may not usually do at home.
 
More cruising statistics are available on the CLIA website.
 
The networking lunch was held at the Mecure Sydney with both Skålleagues and guests applauding the venue on their food and service.
 
The next SIS event is a Travel Trivia night – see http://sydney.skal.org.au/functions/ for more information.