CLIA Australasia’s ‘Ready, Set, Sail’ public lobbying campaign has garnered overwhelming support with 40,000 emails sent to state and federal MPs.
Ready, Set, Sail has been encouraging travel agents, industry stakeholders and other members of Australia’s extensive cruise community to target their local lawmakers, urging them to help advocate for cruising’s return.
The campaign involves an online tool at www.ReadySetSail.com.au, which allows supporters to message politicians quickly and easily.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the response had been beyond expectations.
"Australia has always been one of the world’s most passionate cruise markets and the number of supporters who have joined our campaign is a sign of that passion," Katz said.
"It’s also a reflection of the many thousands of people whose livelihoods have been jeopardised by the suspension of cruising."
The messages sent by cruise supporters will bolster the ongoing discussions taking place between CLIA and governments as the industry works towards restarting.
"There can no longer be any doubt about how extensive the Australian cruise community is, so we will work hard to maintain the momentum and ensure MPs know how important cruising is to the Australian economy," he said.
CLIA wants governments to agree upon a detailed framework for a return to cruising, backed by new global health protocols.
The industry is pushing for the implementation of these protocols as part of a phased resumption that begins with domestic cruising for Australians, within an Australian bubble.
