CLIA sets out a course for cruising’s future at G20 India
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has outlined the cruise industry’s advances in sustainability to G20 nations gathered this week in India, putting cruising on the agenda as governments discuss the future of world tourism.
At a series of events held in the state of Goa, CLIA has set out the cruise industry’s vision for sustainable and responsible operations, including its industry-wide commitment to net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia & Asia, Joel Katz, gave a keynote presentation to G20 Tourism Working Group representatives on Monday. He explained the strength of the cruise industry’s global revival and key issues affecting its future direction, under the meeting’s theme Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable & Responsible Travel.
On Tuesday, Mr Katz addressed key Indian Ministers, government officials and stakeholders on Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism, explaining how close collaborations between cruise lines, governments, ports & destinations, and other industry stakeholders can maximise economic benefits for local communities while fostering tourism in a managed, sustainable way.
On Wednesday, Mr Katz will join a Public-Private Dialogue looking at the importance of travel and tourism to G20 economies, co-organised by India’s Ministry of Tourism in association with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Dialogue will involve representatives from G20 governments and private sector leaders in round-table discussions about their priorities and opportunities for greater public-private collaboration.
“Cruising is undergoing a renaissance worldwide,” Mr Katz said. “It is an industry with enormous potential, and it’s an industry that is moving forward with a clear vision for sustainable and responsibly managed operations.”
“Cruise lines are investing heavily in new ships, new technologies and new propulsion systems that are already making a huge difference as we head towards zero-carbon cruising by 2050,” he said. “The cruise industry is committed not only to reducing emissions and protecting the marine environment, but also to taking a leadership role when it comes to responsible tourism on land. As a planned and scheduled form of tourism, cruising offers great opportunities for destinations and cruise lines to work together to achieve real benefits in ways that meet the needs of local communities.”
This week’s G20 Tourism events in Goa are a precursor to the G20 Summit of world leaders which will be held in New Delhi in September. The events are attended by Ministerial delegates and government representatives from G20 nations, as well as industry representatives and tourism organisations.
