Cruise Industry Welcomes New Trial Accreditation Scheme

MEDIA RELEASE

October 11, 2016

Cruise Industry Welcomes New Trial Accreditation Scheme

The cruise industry’s peak body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, has welcomed the New Zealand Government's trial of a new biosecurity accreditation scheme for cruise lines.

The trial, which was announced by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries today, will reduce the current biosecurity inspections undertaken by NZ Border Clearance Services for accredited cruise lines from November. To become accredited, cruise lines must demonstrate that they have appropriate systems in place to reduce biosecurity risk.

CLIA Australasia Chairman Steve Odell said the organisation was pleased to have worked closely with the New Zealand Government on the important initiative.

“The new trial means cruise passengers will benefit from more efficient disembarkations and a more positive cruise experience – which will give them more time to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer,” Mr Odell said.

Mr Odell said that governments were right to take a risk-based approach to applying biosecurity checks.

“Our cruise line members recognise New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna and follow strict procedures to ensure they are protected. CLIA welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate that its members’ procedures minimise the level of biosecurity risk for New Zealand.”

Mr Odell said CLIA hoped that a positive outcome from the trial would be taken into account in the next government review of the border clearance levy, which was introduced earlier this year.

He said the introduction of the trial coincided with the start of a record New Zealand cruise season.

"Eighteen CLIA member cruise lines will have a record 33 ships cruising New Zealand waters over the coming months. Between them, the ships will make more than 600 calls to New Zealand ports, so we are looking forward to delivering the economic benefits of cruise tourism to communities around the country.”

Mr Odell said he expected most member cruise lines which visited New Zealand regularly would seek accreditation.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry. For more information, visit www.cruising.org.au or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

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