Carnival deal seeks to further Pacific development
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Carnival Australia and Australian international development agency, AusAID, aims to encourage sustainable economic development in the Pacific.
It makes Carnival Australia the first private business to enter into such an agreement with AusAID, with the agency increasingly looking to the private sector to stimulate the economic advancement of the Pacific region.
Initially focusing on Vanuatu, the three year commitment will see the two organisations work together to train Ni-Vanuatu staff to work on Carnival ships, courses for local businesses and start-ups, increased direct sourcing of local products and the introduction of an accreditation system to ensure those products meet Australian quarantine standards.
In addition, the deal will explore the economic impact of cruise tourism on the Vanuatu economy.
Vanuatu's prime minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil, in Sydney specifically for the occasion, underlined the importance of tourism for Vanuatu's economy, with it accounting for 40% of national GDP.
Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia chief executive, revealed that of the 700,000 Australians that will cruise this year, more than 300,000 will cruise to the Pacific.
"Vanuatu and the South Pacific are now at the heart of the world's fastest growing cruise market," she said.
"Tourism is such a big piece of the economy and we are such an important part of that."
Sherry stressed the importance of a "light touch" when developing tourism locally to minimise any environmental and social footprint.
"In more remote communities where there is never going to be a big airstrip, never going to be a five-star hotel, those communities can benefit from tourism because of the way we bring ships in and out," she said.
In addition to the benefits for the local community, Sherry also highlighted the impact of the deal on the passenger experience.
"Having Ni-Vanuatu crew means you have people on board that can talk to passengers about the place that they are about to go," she said.
"It creates great experiences for the passengers we're taking there on more and more of our ships across more and more of our brands so there's that magic that we know creates great holidays and memorable experiences."
Speaking at the signing, AusAID director general Peter Baxter described the deal as a "no brainer".
"The best way to get people out of poverty is to give them a job or an economic opportunity rather than aid. Aid will help, but the only way to sustainably reduce poverty is through private sector-led growth" he said.
"They know the benefits of tourism and they want the ships to come."
Pictured: Peter-Baxter of AusAID, Ann Sherry of Carnival Australia and Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding this morning.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ann sherry ausaid carnival australia cruise pacific vanuatuLatest News
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