• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia welcomed a record number of almost 1,000 delegates to its 2026 conference which opened today at Sydney's International Convention Centre and continues tomorrow.
It is the first time CLIA has held a two-day conference in Sydney following the success of last year's initial two-day event in Brisbane which attracted a then-record audience of 800.
Global industry leaders in attendance included Swan Hellenic CCO Mario Bounas; Helen Beck, MD global commercial for Windstar Cruises; Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward; David Siewers, chief international sales officer for Azamara Cruises; and Jason Krimmel, international chief sales & marketing officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Local panellists included Amber Wilson, HX Expeditions's director of sales Australia & New Zealand; Mark Richards, Carnival Cruise Line national sales manager; Steve Labroski, CEO itravel Australia; Dave Humphreys, Royal Caribbean's director of sales Australia & New Zealand; and Susan Haberle, VP sales & partnerships Australia and New Zealand for Crystal.
In his opening address, CLIA Australasia Executive Director Joel Katz talked about the strength of the industry, with a forecast of around 38m global cruise passengers this year and expectations of reaching 42m at the end of this decade.
He said there are now 89 new ships to launch between now and 2039, with a combined value of almost US$100b.
However, he said, despite continuing strong demand, Australia and New Zealand have lost cruise ships to other parts of the world, impacting local businesses and communities.
"Our industry's warnings about a complex and uncertain regulatory environment and rising costs have been proven right," Katz said.
"Our region has been losing competitiveness and we need to turn that around," he said.
"In New Zealand our concerns are being heard by government. In Australia the states and territories are showing great support, but we still need a national approach.
"We have all worked hard to make this one of the most important cruise markets in the world, and we deserve to have that work backed."
However, Katz said, "whatever our frustrations, we have huge opportunities ahead of us as a cruise community and I hope this year's conference will inspire you to seize those opportunities with both hands."
