CLIA in Australasia

Congratulations to Nick Abrahim and the NSW Taxi Council on the launch of the Taxi Driver Ambassador Program – a fantastic initiative to enhance Sydney’s visitor experience! It was a pleasure for CLIA in Australasia Managing Director, Joel Katz to join Business Sydney and participate in today’s panel with Paul Nicolaou, Nick Abrahim, Josh Clements and Peter Lynch, GAICD. Cruise tourism and taxis go hand in hand. Every year, thousands of cruise guests rely on taxis to move seamlessly between the port, hotels, airports, and key attractions. Whether it’s a pre- or post-cruise stay or a day ashore, a knowledgeable and welcoming taxi driver plays a crucial role in shaping a guest’s experience. #WeAreCruise

This morning onboard Royal Princess in Melbourne, the Cruising Means Business event brought together key industry and tourism stakeholders to discuss the future of cruising in Victoria. With strong demand, and a growing appetite for homeported cruises, the discussion underscored the immense economic potential of cruising and the collective action needed to maximize its benefits. The panel discussion emphasized the need for: - Better infrastructure to support more homeported cruises. - Stronger collaboration between government and industry to plan for long-term growth. - Improved connectivity and accessibility to enhance the passenger experience. - Integration of Melbourne’s culinary, cultural, and events scene into the cruise offering. The message was clear: cruising is a major economic driver for Melbourne, and with the right strategy, collaboration, and investment, the sector can thrive even further. Now is the time for stakeholders and government to come together to unlock the full potential of Victoria’s cruise economy. Speakers included: Deputy Lord Mayor, Roshena Campbell Carnival Corporation & plc Vice President Corporate and External Affairs, Teresa Lloyd Tourism and Transport Forum CEO, Margy Osmond CEO of Mabu Mabu and Celebrity Chef, Nornie Bero Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Sales and Marketing, Kara Glamore #CruisingMeansBusiness #WeAreCruise

Disney Cruise Line had the pleasure of welcoming 120 CLIA Cruise Masters and their Guests onboard Disney Wonder for an exclusive CLIA Famil in January. This trip provided Cruise Masters the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line for themselves, and included special moments like a meet and greet with Goofy, a conversation with the Cruise Director and Hotel Director, and an interesting session on growing sales. Disney Cruise Line was honoured to host you all, and they hope to see you onboard again real soon! 🪄 Disney Cruise Line #WeAreCruise

Thank you to Cruise Weekly for featuring CLIA in Australasia MD, Joel Katz’s opinion piece on what lies ahead in 2025 – a year full of opportunity for the cruise industry! Cruising has undeniably become the strongest and most prosperous sector within the travel industry, and 2025 is set to break new records. With more than 37 million people forecasted to cruise this year, including new-to-cruise guests and younger generations, the opportunities for travel agents and the wider cruise community are immense. The diversity of experiences has never been greater, creating an essential role for travel advisors in matching guests with the perfect cruise. From the nine exciting new ships showcased in next month’s Ocean Debut Virtual Showcase to innovative dining, immersive shore experiences, and thriving segments like luxury, expedition cruising, and fly cruise, the potential for growth is extraordinary. At CLIA, our mission this year is to empower travel agents with the tools, insights, and education they need to capitalize on these trends. Together with our cruise lines, we’re also advancing a crucial advocacy agenda to encourage governments to create favorable conditions for cruising, enhancing the value of cruise tourism. 2025 is a year to be optimistic about, with endless possibilities for both cruise specialists and travelers. https://lnkd.in/gPqzgeaF #WeAreCruise

Thanks to Travel Weekly for the invitation to our MD, Joel Katz, to contribute the first of several travel trade industry leader columns being published over the coming weeks. It’s a privilege for CLIA in Australasia to kick things off by discussing the trends and opportunities shaping the cruise industry in 2025. As the cruise sector continues its dynamic evolution, it stands at the intersection of growth, innovation, and sustainability, driven by trends such as the rising demand for different styles of cruising, the introduction of new ships, and the ongoing evolution of guest experiences. As we navigate these exciting trends and champion the future of our industry, travel agents remain at the heart of its success—fostering client trust, creating unforgettable travel experiences, and seizing opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. https://lnkd.in/gwz9V7GN #WeAreCruise

Cruise360 Australasia Super Earlybird Tickets are on sale now! 📣 With an expanded two-day format, this year’s Cruise360 conference and exhibition promises more than ever before, giving CLIA members an excellent opportunity to learn from industry leaders and capitalise on cruising’s global prosperity. Cruise360 Australasia will take place at the Royal International Convention Centre Brisbane on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August 2025, with a cocktail event on the night of the 27th. Super Earlybird Tickets are available exclusively to CLIA travel agent members for only $340 until February 28th, 2025. Groups of 10+ travel agents receive a 10% discount. For more information and to book your Super Earlybird Tickets, visit https://lnkd.in/gRT_Z7sU

This weekend, Sydney Harbour witnessed a remarkable milestone with the simultaneous visit of two Princess sister ships, Crown Princess and Diamond Princess. Together, they brought over 9,500 international and domestic visitors and more than 2,000 crew members, injecting over AU$2 million into the local economy in a single day. Cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in Australia’s tourism industry, connecting travelers from across the globe to our cities, coastal gems, and regional communities. This season alone, over 1.2 million passengers and crew are projected to visit New South Wales ports, driving significant economic benefits for businesses large and small. The sector’s impact goes beyond the numbers: - Supporting local farmers through the provisioning of fresh, Australian-grown produce. - Boosting the hospitality and retail industries with world-class shore excursions, supporting restaurants and cafes, unique shopping experiences, and pre/post hotel stays. - Delivering new opportunities for small businesses in every port city and beyond. Moments like these remind us of the transformative value of cruise tourism... creating jobs, supporting local economies, and showcasing Australia’s diverse beauty to the world, Let's celebrate the continued success of this vibrant industry and its role in driving economic growth for communities across the country. #WeAreCruise Princess Cruises

"CLIA membership is an essential asset for any agent looking to excel in the cruise sector." 💬 Linda Forster from TravLin Travel (Victoria) shares her experience: "As a Cruise Master and dedicated CLIA member, I cannot recommend becoming a CLIA member highly enough. The training resources provided are extensive and tailored to enhance our expertise in the cruise industry, ensuring that we are well-equipped to advise clients effectively. The agent benefits are substantial, including access to exclusive rewards programs that can significantly boost our earnings through bonus commissions and rebates on cruise bookings. Furthermore, the industry events organised by CLIA offer invaluable networking opportunities, allowing agents to connect with key industry representatives and peers, which is crucial for staying informed about the latest trends and offerings. Lastly, CLIA's representation in advocacy efforts ensures that our interests as travel agents are well-represented in the broader cruise industry landscape. This combination of resources, benefits, and support makes CLIA membership an essential asset for any agent looking to excel in the cruise sector." Discover the benefits of CLIA Membership today 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYsGHT8j

Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday from all of us at CLIA. May this festive time be filled with happiness and peace. 🌞🛳️🌟

📣 CLIA | Cruise Lines International Association is excited to announce the appointment of Bud Darr as President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 3, 2025. Darr succeeds Kelly Craighead, who, earlier this year, announced her plans to leave the organization at year’s end. Darr returns to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017. Darr joins CLIA from MSC Group where he served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs for more than seven years. He has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. 💬 “I am thrilled to be returning to CLIA, and I am grateful for the confidence that the Global Executive Committee and CLIA-member lines have placed in me,” Darr commented. “With the dynamic changes and opportunities ahead, this industry is poised to set new pathways and raise the bar for innovation and sustainability. I am eager to harness our collective expertise to propel us toward an even brighter future. Together, we will navigate the global complexities and reach significant milestones.” In his role as President and CEO, Darr will lead the next phase of CLIA’s global strategy at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Darr brings exceptional maritime experience and outstanding relationships across the global cruise industry and its related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers. 🛳️ #WeARECruise