The local head of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Joel Katz, has insisted the Australian Government provide a much-needed path forward for the resumption of ocean cruising in the region. His rhetoric comes after the Australian Government confirmed a further three-month extension of its biosecurity emergency period, now until 17 September 2021.
The latest extension pushes Australia’s rigid COVID-19 travel and cruise restrictions to a term of 18 consecutive months. The emergency determinations cover four key areas; mandatory pre-departure testing and mask wearing for international flights; restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory; restrictions on outbound international travel for Australians and restrictions on trade of retail outlets at international airports.
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Katz, the Managing Director of CLIA Australasia, warned the government’s lack of a plan for the future was causing lasting damage to the economy and putting 18,000 Australian jobs in doubt.
He said it was now time for the Federal Government to “take real steps towards establishing a plan for future cruise operations”
