United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Cruise line boss attacks “overzealous” Alaska regulations
Tuesday, 19 Mar, 2010
0
Holland American Line CEO Stein Kruse labelled Alaska’s cruise regulatory environment “the most burdensome” in the world during a convention where the state’s governor was in the audience.
"We understand that regulation is necessary, but we are concerned about overzealous regulation in Alaska," said Kruse, speaking at th Seatrade Cruise Convention in Miami.
He added it was the also the most costly state in the world for the cruise business.
He warned: “Our assets are moveable and we are good at moving our ships if conditions necessitate.”
Holland America Line is one of the two biggest cruise line operators in Alaska.
Kruse made his remarks during the convention with Alaska Governor Sean Parnell in the audience.
Kruse explained that a ballot that imparted a host of new taxes and regulations on the cruise industry beginning in 2007 "confused the voters" of Alaska. He said voters did not realise how much it would impact state tourism.
Noting that cruise passenger counts will be down 17% this year, Kruse said that decline hurts businesses in Alaska.
"That 17% decline doesn’t mean the ships aren’t operating full," he added. "They (ships) are somewhere else."
Kruse said that the industry supports fair and logical regulation, and that it is not opposed to paying taxes and fees to benefit passengers.
by David Wilkening
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel