| ACA Update 24 Nov 16: US Mission

Planning has begun for our return
trip to attend Seatrade Cruise
Global in Florida in March, 2017.
We have another strong member
delegation attending the event
which will reinforce Australia’s
robust position in the cruise market.
Following the show, a number
of State Tourism Organisation
representatives will travel to Seattle
and LA on an educational mission
meeting the cruise lines.
This visit will build on the highly
successful initiative last year which
saw them conduct itinerary and
destination training for the res
agents who are on the phones
daily answering questions from
interested travellers.
Richard Schoonrad, Tourism NT and
Deputy Chair of ACA, commented
“This one on one access is
invaluable for STOs to share local
knowledge with the agents, many
of whom have never been to
Australia.
“We will also be holding an
Australian Cruise webinar again
in 2017 for the Tourism Australia
“Aussie Specialist” travel agents in
North America which allows us to
deliver our message to a broader
market,” he said.
This ongoing education is vital as
we continue to add new regional
ports to our cruise ship itineraries,
constantly evolve the shore
excursion offerings and welcome
new ships to our waters.
Our members also see this initiative
as a huge value-add to their
membership and welcome the
opportunity to be involved as the
visits not only increase destination
knowledge for the cruise lines
but also assist them in driving
international passenger growth.

CONTRIBUTOR: Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association