During the G20 gathering in India this week, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) presented the industry's progress in sustainability, urging G20 nations to consider the future of global tourism, including cruising.
At various events held in Goa (from Port Mormugao), CLIA outlined its vision for sustainable and responsible practices within the cruise industry, emphasizing its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon cruising by 2050 across the entire industry.
Joel Katz (CLIA's Managing Director in Australasia & Asia) delivered a keynote presentation to representatives of the G20 Tourism Working Group on Monday. His speech highlighted the cruise industry's global resurgence and addressed key issues influencing its future trajectory, all within the framework of promoting sustainable and responsible travel in cruise tourism.
On Tuesday, Katz engaged with Indian Ministers, government officials, and stakeholders, discussing the concept of establishing India as a hub for cruise tourism. He emphasized the significance of close collaborations among cruise lines, governments, ports, destinations, and other industry stakeholders. Such partnerships can generate economic benefits for local communities while ensuring that tourism develops in a controlled and sustainable manner.
On Wednesday, Katz participated in a Public-Private Dialogue, jointly organized by India's Ministry of Tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This dialogue brought together representatives from G20 governments and leaders from the private sector to engage in round-table discussions regarding their priorities and explore opportunities for enhanced public-private collaboration within the travel and tourism sector.
Joel Katz said cruising was undergoing a renaissance worldwide.
“It is an industry with enormous potential, and it’s an industry that is moving forward with a clear vision for sustainable and responsibly managed operations.
“Cruise lines are investing heavily in new ships, new technologies and new propulsion systems that are already making a huge difference as we head towards zero-carbon cruising by 2050,” he said. “The cruise industry is committed not only to reducing emissions and protecting the marine environment, but also to taking a leadership role when it comes to responsible tourism on land. As a planned and scheduled form of tourism, cruising offers great opportunities for destinations and cruise lines to work together to achieve real benefits in ways that meet the needs of local communities.”
The G20 Tourism events taking place in Goa serve as a preliminary event leading up to the G20 Summit, where global leaders will convene in New Delhi in September. These events are attended by Ministerial delegates, government officials from G20 member nations, and participants from the tourism industry and related organizations.