Freshly back from Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami hear from Jill Abel, CEO of Aust Cruise Assoc... this month's VE profile

Where are you from Jill? I am lucky enough to be based in the beautiful city of Hobart (Nipaluna) Tasmania.?

How long have you worked in the visitor economy???I have worked with the Australian Cruise Association (previously Cruise Down Under) for nearly 20 years.?The role has continued to change and evolve during this time.?This keeps it exciting as we continue to advocate on behalf of our growing membership (currently at record levels) around changing issues that impact the industry, as well as providing them with the tools to take advantage of new opportunities on the horizon.???

What’s your fondest memory of working in the VE??Seeing the first ship sail back into Sydney Harbour when Australia’s borders reopened after the COVID pandemic. No doubt we all felt very emotional that day!?The support and excitement from so many sectors of the visitor economy was so fulfilling.?Naturally, the closure of Australia’s borders during the pandemic was the greatest challenge any of us faced in our careers. On the flipside the opportunity to help re-grow the cruise industry has been incredibly fulfilling.??

During the pause, the real loss was appreciated from the accommodation sector, the business community, transport, agriculture and aquaculture, and of course tourism.??

Amusing story? It wasn’t so amusing at the time but is now: when I turned up to Hobart airport to check in for a flight to Miami (for Seatrade) and was asked for my ESTA form, in my organised fashion, I pulled the nicely printed form out of my travel wallet – to be told that it was my Canadian Visa and not my US one. It appeared then that it had expired. The check-in staff member told me that they had changed the rules to requiring a 72-hour application. I was only going to the USA for 4 days! In a state of frenzy and panic, I sat on the floor of Hobart airport and did an application. I got on the flight to Sydney and on arrival spent the next 4 hours “refreshing” my emails every two minutes. The approval came through one hour before boarding. I did enjoy a glass of bubbles at that moment.?

Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 in Miami is the world’s largest cruise event and the opportunity to engage with the international cruise line executives to explore and unpack future diverse itineraries and outstanding guest experiences in our amazing country.??

What are you excited about? Our next annual conference being held in Adelaide in September.? This is always a great opportunity to hear from some wonderful speakers and?network with our members and collaborate with industry on our next set of goals.??

THRIVE 2030 has three themes – collaborate, modernise and diversify – can you tell us what you’re doing in these three areas to improve our visitor economy growth, quality and sustainability??Collaboration has been a critical focus for ACA and a key pillar of my role.?We continue to work closely with our partner association in New Zealand (the NZCA) exchanging ideas and opportunities.?We have also forged a strong relationship with CLIA?(Cruise Lines International Association) Australasia in the past few years, and work side by side on many issues – particularly at a government level. We also work closely with their cruise line members who speak at our annual conference and hold educational workshops for our members. The other important collaboration is with Tourism Australia, which is working closely with us to champion cruise as an important and emerging part of the overall visitor economy. We are also working with islands in the South Pacific to share our knowledge, data and experience, to ensure that our overall region is successful in welcoming cruise and maximising the benefits to the communities. These partnerships underpin our vision for the industry and will help us to forge ahead to achieve our goals around growing a more sustainable future for the cruise sector.?

What’s your best tip, advice, or lesson learned for the visitor economy right now??We have a shared responsibility for the future of the visitor economy here and how that also plays into a global vision.?As such, we must focus on ensuring our industry is sustainable as we plan our path for success. This means onboard and?onshore.??

What essential goes in your suitcase when travelling for business beyond your phone charger??Sneakers. I am so happy that they are a fashion item these days. Standing on your feet at trade shows in high heels is in my past!?

Tell us how you work with First Nations people and business??Cruise ship guests are increasingly wanting to experience First Nations culture when they arrive into our destinations.?Our member organisations around Australia are ensuring that high-quality experiences which showcase our traditional owners are available as part of their shore excursions.?This benefits not only the guests, but also the businesses providing them with economic benefits from cruise ship visits. We are constantly being guided by lead agencies such as Tourism Australia and our state and territory tourism organisations to ensure that we provide sound advice to cruise lines on the best way to engage and deliver such experiences.?

What improvements are you making to ensure your business/activity is more inclusive and accessible for travellers with disability, different language and cultural backgrounds???Our members are focused on the delivery of inclusive experiences from the time people disembark through to the onshore experience – whether that’s at a local restaurant or taking a tour or visiting one of our world-class attractions.? ? ?

What is your dream/recommended location (where, what specifically and why) in Australia for: holidays with family??Continuing to explore the amazing bays and waterways with my family on our boat in Tasmania.?

Our previous VEN profiles include Elizabeth Hackett chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism (AAT) Group that owns Magnums Unique Accommodation, Dr Elaine C. L. Yang of Griffith Institute for Tourism, Creative Australia's Adrian Collette, Intrepid Travel's Brett Mitchell, Accessible Tourism professional Yasmine Gray, IVS survey interviewer Erika Schwarz, Tour Guides Australia (former) President, Leanne Saward, Rugby great and THRIVE 2030 Implementation Advisory Group member Tim Horan, EcoTourism Australia's CEO Elissa Keenan,?NT Visitor Economy Exec Valerie Smith, Founder/Project Lead at the Travel Better Project Emma Pethybridge, SE Asian focused Inbound Tourism Operator Doddy Purwoko, Stone Social Enterprise’s Vanessa Brettell, Vaycayit's Hailey Brown and Lisa McEwan, Hotel Etico's Co-founder and CEO Andrea Comastri, Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Assoc GM Kristy Ahrens, Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans, Executive Director of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia Nicola Craddock, Outdoors NSW & ACT CEO Lori Modde, Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Owner Tony Coppins, Executive Chair, Australian Chamber – Tourism John Hart, Indigenous program manager Sharon Ninyette, TAFE business development manager Paula Meyer, TRA tourism survey manager Bode Ten Buuren, regional tourism leader Coralie Bell, accessible tourism operator and advocate James "Buck" McFarlane, international education expert Karyn Kent and Aboriginal tourist operator Juan Walker.

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