Accommodation Association on board with QLD cruise decision
Decision anchors hoped-for catalyst to open up other states
The Accommodation Association (AA) has thanked the Queensland Government decision to once again welcome international cruise ships to the state, a move it says will hopefully encourage other states to follow suit.
Describing the news as “fantastic” for Australia’s hotels, motels and accommodation providers, Association CEO, Richard Munro said the news that it’s full steam ahead for a return to international cruise with Queensland now back on deck in June is “music to our ears.”
Mr Munro said the cruise industry It drives billions of dollars each year into the Australian economy and supports many thousands of jobs through the sector and the wider tourism and travel Sector.
“We look forward to other states announcing their borders are also open so that there is an incentive for the Cruise Lines to return their ships to Australian waters,” he said.
“It is going to take some time before we see the level of international tourism return to normal and we have a long road to recovery still ahead but today we’re that little bit closer.”
The resumption of cruising in June follows a decision by Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk who gave the green light on the proviso additional safety measures are set in place including the requirement for passengers and crew to be double vaccinated.
The Federal Government has also announced it will not be extended the biosecurity ban on international cruising when it expires on April 17, clearing the decks for action at a state and territory level.
Meanwhile, New South Wales Minister for Transport, David Elliott has indicated cruise ships will be permitted
to once again enter the state’s waters from May although no date had been set at time of publication.
Other states and territories are expected follow Queensland’s lead.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
