started · updated
Cruise industry warns Australia is losing competitiveness
At the Cruise360 Australasia 2026 conference in Sydney, industry leaders warned that Australia and New Zealand are losing cruise ship deployments to other global destinations. Joel Katz, Executive Director of CLIA Australasia, cited rising costs and an increasingly complex regulatory environment as primary threats to the region's competitiveness.
Despite these regional challenges, the global cruise sector is experiencing significant growth. CLIA reported that global passenger numbers reached a record 37.2 million last year, with 38 million expected this year and a forecast of 42 million by the end of the decade. To meet this demand, 89 new ships worth approximately US$100 billion are scheduled to enter service by 2039.
Katz emphasized the need for stable and practical policy settings to protect the economic benefits cruise tourism brings to local communities. He noted that while New Zealand is engaging with sector concerns, Australia requires a more unified national approach. To support local businesses, CLIA recently launched the Australian Paddock to Port Alliance.
Entities
Australia · Cruise Lines International Association · Joel Katz · New Zealand · Sydney
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Australia lacks a joined-up national policy response compared to New Zealand.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Australia and New Zealand are losing cruise ships to other global destinations. traveltalkmedia.com.au · cruisepassenger.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Global cruise passenger numbers are forecast to reach 42 million by the end of the decade. traveltalkmedia.com.au · cruisepassenger.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rising costs and a complex regulatory environment are threatening Australia’s competitiveness in the cruise market. traveltalkmedia.com.au · cruisepassenger.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Australian Paddock to Port Alliance was launched to support local businesses affected by cruise declines. cruisepassenger.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] 89 new cruise ships are scheduled to enter service between now and 2039, valued at nearly US$100 billion. traveltalkmedia.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Global cruise passenger numbers are expected to reach approximately 38 million this year. traveltalkmedia.com.au · cruisepassenger.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Global cruise passenger numbers reached 37.2 million last year. traveltalkmedia.com.au · cruisepassenger.com.au