More than 850 cruise agents, industry leaders and travel media are attending the biggest cruise industry gathering ever staged in this region, which is being held at the Royal International Convention Centre.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event is taking place under the theme Navigate, Innovate, Excel.
Opening the event, Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australia (CLIA), said he was incredibly proud of the job the industry does in this region.
“You punch above your weight and your numbers are remarkable for such relatively small countries,” he said.
Mr Katz added that the number of Australians cruising grew last year to more than 1.3 million, an increase of almost six per cent, making it one of the best years in the region.
“Our cruise industry is viable, it is incredibly resilient and it is enjoying levels of prosperity that we might never have imagined just a few years ago.
“We’re still one of the most passionate and committed cruise regions in the world and we are still head and shoulders above where we were only a decade ago, when Australian passenger numbers first crashed through the one million barrier.
Lisa Pile from Regent Seven Seas Cruises speaking at Cruise360
“Importantly, the opportunities in this market remain incredibly strong. The intention to cruise is high.”
Mr Katz said the region would host 63 ships this cruise season, which would provide a huge boost for the local economy.
“Together, they will bring hundreds of thousands of passengers to every coastal state and territory.
“Among these ships will be a handful of major voyages making their debut Down Under and bringing excitement around the innovation that defines our industry.”
Mr Katz touched on recent withdrawals from Australian waters but said CLIA was working hard with the government to ensure Australasia remains an attractive proposition for cruise lines.
“We’ve been warning for a number of years that this is an expensive operating region with complex regulatory environments, so it’s no surprise that we’re now seeing the consequences, with some areas experiencing reduced visitation compared to previous years.
“We need action to improve the operating environment and we need to address the rising costs that deter ships from our shores, ensuring that Australasia remains an attractive and competitive destination for cruise tourism.”
The Cruise360 event has been extended to two days due to demand and popularity among the industry.
“Today, our mission is to support your dedication with practical insights and inspiration to help you enhance and grow your cruise business,” added Mr Katz.
“Our theme is, Navigate, Innovate, Excel, and every session will aim to help you do just that. We want to help you to navigate and understand our evolving industry, while at the same time inspiring you to lead as innovators and to ultimately excel in selling cruise.”
