Cruise Lines International Association Australasia has set up an advisory group to develop a roadmap towards resuming cruise operations down under.
The Cruise Suppliers Advisory Group is made up of various companies which rely on business from cruise lines such as farmers, food and drink suppliers and transport businesses.
Many of these have been hit hard due to the cruise ship ban.
The advisory group will meet on a regular basis to formulate strategy to lobby state and federal governments.
"Many of these suppliers have been devastated by the suspension of cruise operators in a similar way to members of the travel and tourism industry," said CLIA Australasia Managing Director, Joel Katz.
With cruise lines no longer able to do business with suppliers, local companies have lost a big portion of their revenue.
Select Fresh Providores Group GM, Steven Biviano said suppliers need to know when cruise operations can restart.
"Farmers need to know when their supply channels are likely to reopen so they can prepare for the coming season and make decisions on the crops they sow," Biviano said.
These are just some of the businesses heavily impacted by the cruise suspension, which has put thousands of jobs at risk, Katz said.
CLIA is advocating a phased restart to cruising with domestic itineraries.
Australia has banned large cruise ships until at least 17 December 2020.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
