Australian Cruise Association delegation returns to Seatrade Cruise Global

Australian Cruise Association delegation returns to Seatrade Cruise Global
By James Harrison


A significant member representation from the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) will attend Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this year as Australia celebrates the first anniversary of its cruise industry re-start.

Representatives from state tourism organisations, ports, ground handlers and shipping agents make up the 14 strong delegation led by ACA chair, Philip Holliday and CEO, Jill Abel who will be attending for the 17th year.

ACA will again partner with the New Zealand Cruise Association whose delegation will be led by CEO, Kevin O’Sullivan. Tourism Australia will also be represented for the first time following the recent MOU inked with the NTO.

“Regarded as the cruise industry’s most significant worldwide event, Seatrade provides our organisations the opportunity to present a strong regional offering to the over 80 cruise lines attending this important global event” said Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association.

“Our near record delegation represents the energy and enthusiasm illustrated by our industry and the commitment to not just return to pre-pandemic numbers but to outpace those results.”

Abel will also moderate a panel while at Seatrade consisting of speakers from Tahiti, New Zealand, Northern Territory Tasmania and Queensland. This event provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s destination offerings to the attendee base and discuss the opportunities and the challenges for the future. Joel Katz, Managing Director of CLIA will provide the opening remarks.

“Attending Seatrade gives our members the opportunity to meet with key decision makers from around the world in one place at one time and have discussions around the important destination development taking place in our region which will fuel itinerary planning for the future,” continued Abel.

“I am delighted to report that our schedule is already back-to-back. The meetings we will hold with the individual cruise lines will give us the opportunity to discuss the best way to move forward as we all face the challenges of a fast-paced re-start.”

Attendees will also be invited to “Come and Say G’day” on Wednesday 29 March as ACA and NZCA again host their renowned hospitality afternoon at Booth# 2139 showcasing regional produce and beverages.

Featured Image: Jill Abel

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