Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) acknowledged the decision of Australia's Government to extend cruise suspension.
Australia's minister for health Greg Hunt announced that the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 had been extended by 3 months.
The emergency period, in place since March 18, will now run until at least December 17, 2020, and includes restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels to Australia as well as retail stores at international airports, overseas travel, and protections of the supply/sale of certain essential goods.
The extension had been consulted with AHPPC (Australian Health Protection Principal Committee). The AHPPC advised that the domestic and international COVID situation continued to pose an unacceptable public health risk.
According to CLIA’s managing director for Australasia, Joel Katz, the association had "welcomed the government’s commitment to continued engagement with the cruise industry."
“We look forward to the formation of a working group with government to progress a pathway to a carefully managed and responsible resumption of cruise tourism in Australia at the earliest appropriate time,” he said.
“CLIA sees opportunity for a controlled and phased resumption of local cruise operations in Australia, with strict and enhanced health protocols in place.
“While some states may still face restrictions, there is opportunity for a future resumption in states and territories where the status of COVID-19 permits, helping to restore visitation and much-needed economic activity.”