A new report commissioned by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and ACA (Australian Cruise Association) shows about USD 500 million was lost from March 2020 (all cruise companies stopped passenger shipping) through July 2020 alone.
According to Joel Katz (CLIA’s regional managing director), by the end of December that would have reached USD 2 billion, given the ongoing suspension of sea voyages during the traditional summer peak Australian cruise season.
Katz added the economy would take a further USD 3 billion loss in case the pause continued into 2021.
“It is no secret the sector has been devastated by COVID-19, but the impact is also being felt by the many thousands of small businesses, especially in regional communities, that rely on a thriving cruise industry.
“This includes travel agents, fresh food suppliers, tour operators, hotels, bus companies, baggage handlers, Aussie entertainers, and the thousands of other businesses across the country which rely on the cruise industry.”
CLIA recently presented to the Australian government a set of newly proposed measures seeking to commence a controlled resumption of domestic cruising in the country with strict health protocols in place.
The measures are expected to support the proposed end date to the cruise ban in Australia on December 17.