• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
"Twelve months ago we spoke about the increasingly competitive global environment and the need for Australia to ensure it was positioned to capture its share of future cruise growth," Brendan Connell, chairman of the Australian Cruise Association, told delegates at its annual conference in Brisbane.
"That conversation is even more relevant today," Connell said.
"Cruise lines are investing in new ships, expanding fleets, entering new markets and responding to sustained consumer demand," he said.
"While the global industry is growing, Australia has experienced increasing pressure on its competitive position.
"While Australia has seen capacity reduce, markets across Asia, Europe and particularly North America are attracting new investment, new ships and expanded deployments.
"In that environment Australia cannot assume that our natural advantages alone will secure future growth.
"We need to be competitive, predictable and easy to do business with.
"If we are not, global growth will continue, but an increasing share of it will occur somewhere else, because being a great destination is no longer enough.
"As an industry, we need to think beyond the next season, the next deployment cycle or the next commercial decision.
"We need to think about where Australia's cruise industry will be in 10 years time and what actions we need to take now to ensure we remain globally competitive."
Connell said that long-term perspective sits at the heart of ACA's Strategic Action Plan launched earlier this year.
"Since its launch, our focus has been on implementation," he said.
"We have continued our advocacy for regulatory reform and greater certainty for cruise operations while strengthening engagement with governments and industry around infrastructure and border processes."
Connell said looking ahead there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic — but one stands out the most.
"The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a once-in-a-generation opportunity," he said.
"The Olympics will place Brisbane and Australia in front of a global audience of billions.
"Few, if any, events offer that level of international exposure and presents an opportunity to reposition Australia in the global cruise market."
