Australasian delegates take the stage at Seatrade Cruise Global

March 30, 2023 – Australia and New Zealand have underscored the success of cruising’s revival Down Under with a big presence at this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Florida.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has joined with the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) and New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) to showcase the renewed strength of the Australasian cruise market and the enduring appeal of cruise destinations throughout both countries.

They have been joined by a near-record Australasian delegation at the Fort Lauderdale event, including tourism representatives from most Australian states and territories, as well as Tourism Australia.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz introduced a panel session at the conference yesterday, focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by the region’s resurgent cruise industry.

“There is no doubt that cruising’s revival in the Australasia region has been resoundingly welcomed by cruise fans,” Mr Katz said. “Worldwide, cruise passenger volumes are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year – with even the more conservative of forecasts predicting record numbers in the years beyond – and we would expect the Australasian market to follow in a similar trend.”

The panel was hosted by ACA CEO Jill Abel, with panelists including Tahiti Cruise Club President Bud Gilroy, NZCA Chair Jacqui Lloyd, Northern Territory Department of Tourism CEO Scott Lovett, Tourism Tasmania Manager of Cruise & Aviation Aletta Macdonald, and Tourism Queensland Strategic Partnerships Manager Therese Phillips.