Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz appears to be getting tougher in relation to the cruise resumption scenario, as demonstrated in his response to the announcement of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.
While he said, saying, “The announcement of a trans-Tasman travel bubble is a positive step forward for tourism in Australia and New Zealand, particularly for the many thousands of travel agents and other businesses that have been devastated by border restrictions over the past year.”
He also added, “However, this announcement highlights the lack of progress being made towards a responsible resumption of local cruise operations, without which an estimated 25,000 jobs are still at risk across the region.
He added, “Cruise lines globally have committed to extensive new health protocols in response to COVID-19, including 100% testing of all guests and crew”, and “These measures are among the most comprehensive of any industry worldwide and are already working successfully in several countries overseas.”
In closing in his statement he said, “Now is the time for governments in Australia and New Zealand to progress a phased and tightly controlled resumption of local cruising, operating initially for locals-only within domestic boundaries or within the trans-Tasman bubble.”
Well done Joel but let’s see if the Federal and State Governments respond or even do anything. Sadly, I very much doubt it!
A report by John Alwyn-Jones
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