The accent was on sustainability at the launch of Cruise Month in Sydney on Wednesday, with the release of a new consumer-focused publication by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and a commitment by cruise lines to create lasting benefits for communities in the destinations they visit.
“The cruise industry represents only around 1% of world shipping, but it has taken a leading role in deploying new environmental measures and creating social benefits for people around the world,” said CLIA Australasia managing director Joel Katz.
“Every day our cruise lines around the world are taking substantial steps to protect and sustain the waters we sail, the air we breathe, the destinations we visit and the people we serve,” Katz said.
“We’ve just released our annual report on environmental technologies and practices, and we’re very pleased to have been able to report that the cruise industry continues to lead the maritime sector with USD 22 billion invested in ships with new energy-efficient technologies and cleaner fuels, and our commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
“This includes investments in LNG powered ships, advanced wastewater treatment systems that treat water to a greater degree than most coastal cities, and exhaust gas cleaning systems. And from 1 January 2020, just a couple of months away, the entire cruise industry is fully committed to implement the global sulphur cap whenever and wherever our ships sail.”
“We’re proud of our progress, and committed to doing more,” Katz said.
“We have the privilege to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of millions of people by taking them to the most beautiful places in the world and we want to be able to do it sustainably.”
Katz also confirmed that the #WeAreCruise competition for travel agents which CLIA launched at Cruise360 will now extend through October.
“We’re inviting travel agents to share their own #WeAreCruise stories in video form on social media, giving them a chance to win a seven-day Alaska cruise for two thanks to Holland America Line.”
Launch of Cruise Month in Sydney on Wednesday
CLIA’s new consumer-focused glossy publication is called New Wave. Produced in partnership with Big Splash Media, publisher of Cruise Passenger, it outlines environmental initiatives as well as community initiatives, including projects focused on reducing infant mortality rates in Papua New Guinea, boosting hurricane recovery efforts in the Caribbean, supporting local tourism businesses in Vanuatu and wildlife conservation measures worldwide.
New Wave will be included in the upcoming summer edition of Cruise Passenger magazine and can also be viewed or downloaded via the CLIA Australasia home page, www.cruising.org.au.
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