| ACA Update 27 Oct 16: ACA’s industry input

Our Association is being
increasingly called upon to provide
critical input to important working
groups focused on meeting the
needs of the growing cruise industry.
In addition to providing updates to
state tourism meetings, including
access working groups, I was called
upon recently to be the guest
speaker at the National Tourism
Minister’s Meeting attended by
Minister Steve Ciobo, State and
Territory Tourism Ministers & ceos.
This gathering gave me the
opportunity to provide a perspective
on the scope & future of the industry
& to highlight the importance of the
itinerary & destination experiences
for cruise pax.
It also allowed me to encourage the
consideration of issues such as:
• Inclusion of cruise passenger
numbers in the International and
National Visitor Surveys
• Introduction of more user friendly
cabotage/taxation regulations
• Greater alignment of state
legislations to build consistent
operating procedures for cruise lines
• Increased incentives for crew to
disembark and add to the economic
input of ship visits
I am excited to report that Ports
Authority NSW is already increasing
its focus on crew visitation and
recently added to its successful
Discover Balmain/Rozelle program
which services arrivals into the
White Bay terminal. The authority is
currently trialling a free shuttle bus
service to Balmain’s retail district
giving crew the opportunity to
explore the local area. Free Wi-Fi is
also being provided.
Crew expenditure is an important
economic benefit to the industry
and it’s great to see these efforts
being initiated by our members.

CONTRIBUTOR: Jill Abel, CEO Australian Cruise Association