With the long-awaited trans-Tasman travel bubble set to finally take off this month, Cruise Lines International Association Australasia hopes it will serve as a catalyst for a resumption of cruising in both countries.
It is time for governments in Australia and New Zealand to progress a phased and tightly controlled resumption of local cruising in both markets, CLIA says.
"The announcement of a trans-Tasman travel bubble is a positive step forward for tourism in Australia and New Zealand, particularly for the many thousands of travel agents and other businesses that have been devastated by border restrictions over the past year," said CLIA Managing Director Australasia, Joel Katz.
"However, this announcement highlights the lack of progress being made towards a responsible resumption of local cruise operations, without which an estimated 25,000 jobs are still at risk across the region."
"Cruise lines globally have committed to extensive new health protocols in response to Covid-19, including 100% testing of all guests and crew. These measures are among the most comprehensive of any industry worldwide and are already working successfully in several countries overseas," Katz added.
