Everyone in the cruise industry wants to come to Australia, Edie Rodriguez, president and ceo of Crystal Cruises told ACA Conference delegates today, outlining how the industry can succeed in growing the Australian market.
Rodriguez says Australia must have “the right infrastructure”.
“You have to set up the right infrastructure to promise a lot and deliver more and surprise and delight those guests who come here from around the world,” she said.
Next the destination has to figure out how to offer even more destinations within the country.
The American perspective on holidays and distance is vastly different to that of an Australian, with less vacation days pushing the demand for shorter, destination-packed itineraries.
There is potential to grow the Aussie season beyond summer (much like the Mediterranean has achieved), Rodriguez noted, a move Crystal “would definitely be agreeable to it if it was open”.
Lastly, the high cost of Australian travel can be combatted by offering “authentic” & “creative” experiences.
Pictured are: Edie Rodriguez and Michael McCarthy, chairman Cruise Europe.
