Australia's Cruise Industry in Crisis as New Zealand Urges Cooperation

New Zealand's Tourism Minister, Hon. Louise Upston, is urging her Australian counterpart, Senator Don Farrell, to strengthen cooperation within Australia to save the cruise industry.

The crisis facing the sector has been exacerbated by a fragmented approach and regulatory uncertainty in Australia, with the country's economy falling by over $1 billion despite global demand for cruises surging.

New Zealand's cruise industry is heavily dependent on the Australian market, accounting for 70% of its visitors. The country has already implemented a coordinated national strategy to address declining passenger numbers and improve competitiveness.

Cruise Lines International Association executive director Australasia and Asia Joel Katz warned that Australia's lack of coordination and regulatory certainty puts future ship deployment at risk, with ships being mobile assets and deployment decisions made years in advance.