CLIA And South Pacific Tourism Organisation Sign MOU

Cruise industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to work cooperatively to promote the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in the region.

Announced during SPTO’s conference in Adelaide yesterday, the main purpose of the MOU is to drive the growth of cruise tourism in the South Pacific in a manner that is both sustainable and brings economic and social benefits to the region.

The South Pacific remains the most popular cruise destination for Australian and New Zealand cruisers, with CLIA statistics showing more than half a million holidaymakers from the two nations enjoying cruises to the region annually.

CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the MOU would support the development of cruise tourism and help to deliver further economic benefits to the South Pacific over the years ahead.

“It is very important to our member cruise lines that we support South Pacific nations to better understand the cruise industry and recognise the importance of sustainable cruise tourism in the region”, Mr Katz said.

SPTO Chief Executive Chris Cocker said the renewed relationship between CLIA and SPTO will re-establish an important dialogue to strengthen the South Pacific Islands as cruise destination.

“Specifically, it will create a platform of sharing of information and insights to support the continued growth of cruise tourism in the Pacific”, Mr Cocker said.