The chairman of CDU, Richard Doyle and General Manager, Jill Abel participated in this weeks Federal Government reference group for the national long term tourism strategy. The key industry workshop – chaired by Margaret Jackson and held in Sydney, received a clear message that the cruise sector is an important part of the future long term tourism considerations for Government.

“CDU will continue to work with Government and private stakeholders to ensure that all members are well represented in the future planning requirements of this fast growing sector. The discussions focussed on identifying key issues for the tourism industry over the longer term as input to the development of the strategy. CDU has and will continue to provide sound recommendations based on economic viability, current demand and future forecasting and as well as providing a collaborative link with our key partners and stakeholders to forge workable solutions” Doyle said.

The 2008/09 cruise season is well underway with record bookings in many of our ports around Australia. CDU will continue with collecting data and reporting on the economic impacts of the industry in 2009.