CLIA to host Virtual Cruise Forum, ACA announces new conference dates
Cruise industry leaders from across the globe will put a focus on the sector’s revival in Australasia and Asia this month at a virtual event.
In lieu of the postponed Cruise360 Australasia Conference in Sydney, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will host a Virtual Cruise Forum on Friday 27 August.
The forum will provide an essential update for the region’s cruise community, offering important insights as the industry navigates a path to recovery.
Speakers will include Kelly Craighead (CLIA), Gianni Onorato (MSC Cruises), Ellen Bettridge (Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection), Jason Montague (Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Colleen McDaniel (Cruise Critic), Annie Chang (Singapore Tourism Board), Gavin Smith (CLIA and Royal Caribbean), Sture Myrmell (CLIA and Carnival Australia), Sarina Bratton (Ponant) and Michael Londregan (Virtuoso).
Topics will include an update on cruising’s road to recovery, how the cruise sector is working to rebuild confidence, how travel agents can achieve new relevance as cruise specialists, and how close collaborations have resulted in the successful resumption of operations overseas.
CLIA’s managing director of Australasia, Joel Katz, said the Virtual Cruise Forum was open to all regional members at no charge and would feature live panel discussions and interviews.
“At a critical time for our industry, this online forum will give travel agents valuable insight that will help ensure they benefit from cruising’s recovery,” he said.
“It has never been more important for our cruise community to unite around our common goals, and with the help of global industry leaders, this forum will help define our path forward.”
The Virtual Cruise Forum will run from 10am to 4pm (AEST) on Friday 27 August. More info on the event can be found here.
Meanwhile, the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has decided to push back its annual conference due to the current lockdown situation in NSW, with the event now taking place from Wednesday 10 November to Friday 12 November 2021.
The conference will still be held at the Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville.
ACA chief executive Jill Abel said: “We are committed to holding our conference so that we can keep the conversations and energy going around planning for the cruise restart.
“We felt these new dates gave us more certainty around being able to hold the event this year, and also provide enough time for our speakers and attendees to change their travel plans.”
The line-up of speakers at the ACA’s conference includes Gavin Smith (Royal Caribbean), Sture Myrmell (Carnival Australia), Stuart Allison (Princess Cruises), Adele Labine-Romain (Deloitte Access Economics) and Dr Ian Norton (Respond Global).
Delegates who have registered and booked their accommodation will be automatically moved to the new dates. More info on the conference can be found here.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ACA adele labine-romain Annie Chang Australian Cruise Association carnival australia clia Colleen McDaniel conference cruise Cruise Critic cruise industry cruise lines international association deloitte access economics Dr Ian Norton Ellen Bettridge events gavin smith Gianni Onorato jason montague Jill Abel Joel Katz Kelly Craighead michael londregan msc cruises ponant princess cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Respond Global royal caribbean sarina bratton singapore tourism board stuart allison Sture Myrmell Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Virtual Cruise Forum virtual event virtuosoLatest News
Seafood Excellence winners launch new sea-to-plate menu onboard Luxe Island Seafood Cruise
The 2024-25 season of the ultimate seafood dining experience, Luxe Island Seafood Cruise at Rottnest Island, has a new sustainable seafood menu and is now open for booking. Owned by Sea West and operated by its brand Rottnest Cruises, the award-winning Luxe Island Seafood Cruise offers an indulgent day of cruising onboard a 69ft, three-level […]
Qantas offers flights from Cyprus to help get Australians home from Lebanon
Free flights on Qantas Boeing 787 out of Cyprus will bring home up to 440 Australians.
35 per cent base salary increase part of Virgin Australia pilots new enterprise agreement
Virgin Australia pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement that delivers substantial improvements to their pay and working conditions, following 15 months of negotiations. The new agreement guarantees a 35 per cent base salary increase in the first year, followed by 3 per cent annual increases and includes industry-leading lifestyle and […]
Brisbane makes top 10 list of trending global destinations for 2025
Given this 'demand' is driven by Millennial and Gen Z travellers, this may change tomorrow - or today.
Emirates announces partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development
Emirates is going solar... Even its planes can’t say no to a bit of fun in the sun!
Australia’s best & worst international airline food rankings: Who’s on top?
Now matter how often you fly, the foil wrapper is always lifted with anticipation, sometimes followed by indigestion.
Insure&Go warns Aussies of costly travel insurance mistakes as international travel surges
We wonder what other countries need to be warned about alcohol overconsumption clauses... The Irish may get a start!
Shipshape start to the South Australian 2024-25 cruise season
The food of Kangaroo Island, the wine of Clare Valley and wrapping their lips around pronouncing Fleurieu Peninsula.
PROFILE: Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet founder and constant traveller
No doubt he's covered a few miles and has a few million frequent flyer points. Passports? He's probably had a few too.
Hotel, flight bookings spike as fans head to grand finals, aka Katy Perry and Kid Laroi concerts
Three-peat was pushing it, and four-peat would be just ridiculous. We are talking of the made-up word, not the stat.
Explora Journeys unveils marine photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan aboard EXPLORA II
We'd be setting up a 'cameras for sale' stand outside the gallery because we're certain guests are going to be inspired!
Wendy Wu Tours unveils new Namibia Adventure tour
Wendy Wu is spreading her wings to the wilds of Africa, so our animal instincts predict amazing itins.
Air Vanuatu set to fly again after court decides to allow restructure
The news gives us hope that perhaps one of our recently defunct carriers may get a second life, albeit unlikely.
Riviera Travel River Cruises launches early bird sale for 2026
We hope there is a not a set of scales on these cruises, or a weight limit on the ships for that matter.
Qatar Airways expands to Canada with launch of Toronto flights
Qatar's going from strength to strength at the moment. The same can't be said for our progress in the gym...
ATIA wins big with federal inquiry into tourism and international education
We're generally used to hearing about the negatives coming out of a Federal inquiry, so this is a nice change of tune.
Silversea announces development of the southernmost hotel on earth
Staying at this hotel is going to be absolutely terrifying if you are a flat earther!
Auckland and Rotorua launch ‘2 Easy’ campaign to attract Aussies
As an Aussie, we do feel very seen by this campaign. Thank you New Zealand.
AmaWaterways unveils progress in Colombia ahead of 2025 Launch
That's cruising in Colombia with an O not a U. There is a significant difference.
My Cruises announces exclusive collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL is churning out the news lately, we can't imagine how chaotic the office must be.
Why cycle tourism is wheelie booming!
It takes a very brave sort of person to wear cycle shorts and here at Travel Weekly we respect bravery.
Tauck, Disney Destinations and Washington DC release the industry Bucket List and Luxury Travel
If you need a big white gloved hand putting together a list of things to do before you die, this is Mickey Mouse!
Travel planning is not a box of cereal, say agents in response to ALDI portal launch
Good. Different. Agents aren't so sure buying an angle grinder and a holiday from the same place is such a good idea.
Guests as Phuket’s Trisara Resort set to experience two nights of culinary excellence
Don't let this white sandy beach fool you, there's serious foodie stuff happening at Trisara Resort this month.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort new general manager named
This place is as famous as Steve McGarrett, of Hawaii Five-0 fame, and almost as stylish as the original's hairdo!
Aussie agents live it up in South America with Chimu Adventures
If you missed out on this one, Chimu says there's more famils on the horizon... Happy selling!
WATCH: TTC Tour Brands European Rendezvous launch event with sales manager Mickey Mann
To be honest it would be criminal to have the name Mickey Mann and be a wallflower. Shine Mickey, shine.
New offerings at W Hollywood unveiled alongside a refresh and amenities upgrade
No trip to LA would be complete with a rooftop bar visit and star-spotting, and the W Hollywood ticks those boxes.
The EVE Hotel Sydney releases official design gallery
Got a penchant for fine design? We suggest an evening at the EVE!
Visit Qatar launches a new global campaign
As Qatar prepares to take 25% of Virgin, it's also bumping up it's tourism messaging. Coincidence? We think not...
WATCH: First plane lands on new Western Sydney Airport
If you weren't already across this news, we consider ourselves as bigger plane geeks than you!
Iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ artwork takes pride of place at ICC Sydney
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has announced the addition of the monumental artwork ‘Spirit of Sydney’ by renowned Australian artist Frank Hodgkinson to its collection. Normally reserved for event attendees, members of the community were able to view the iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ mural at the venue’s art tours, guided […]
Australian Airport Association names Simon Westaway as CEO
With all the turbulence happening in the airport sector, it's fair to say that Westaway is not afraid of a challenge.
Sydney Airport announces Australia’s first flights to Beijing Daxing
If you want to go into space but can't afford it, just go for a trip to this spacey-looking airport.
Carnival Cruise Line unveils 2026/27 itineraries, including short getaways
Grab the kids and get yourself on a Carnival Cruise, or leave the kids with the grandparents, we won't judge...
Qantas shares drop 4.5% following Qatar-Virgin deal
We'll be interested to see if Joe Aston's book on 'How Qantas sold us out' impacts QF share prices later this month.