20 August ATIA welcomes extension of Coastal Trading Act and introduction of Australian Travel Declaration August 20, 2024 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 Last Friday, the Federal Government announced an extension to the Coastal Trading Act exemption for eligible cruise operators until the end of 2026 and a trial for an Australian Travel Declaration, a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card. The extension of the Coastal Trading Act means eligible cruise lines can continue to carry passengers to and from Australian ports under existing arrangements. This will reduce red tape and costs for cruise operations and provide certainty, which is great news for travel professionals selling cruising. ATIA strongly supported the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on this campaign and commends the Government for its ongoing support of the cruise industry. ATIA also welcomes the Federal Government’s trial for an Australian Travel Declaration, a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card, which will see passengers on select Qantas flights from New Zealand invited to complete the declarations through the Qantas app, up to 72 hours prior to arrival. This will be expanded to other airlines and cruises as the program progresses. New Zealand has also committed to upgrading its eGates. Contactless travel will see faster processing times at airports, where the latest technologies involving digital credentials and facial recognition are utilised. ATIA has been united with other key industry associations in calling for seamless border facilitation and welcomes this investment into solutions to improve the border experience for travellers. Quotes attributable to ATIA CEO Dean Long: “We’re proud to support our members and the cruise industry by lobbying for common sense decisions that support a thriving cruise sector.” “We believe the two-year extension is a sensible approach while the Government undertakes its broader review of the Coastal Trading Act, of which we will continue to support CLIA and its members.” “We also welcome the implementation of a digital update to the paper passenger card. ATIA has been united with other key industry associations in calling for seamless border facilitation, and this is a great step forward. It is a welcome investment into solutions to improve the border experience by travellers.” Related Articles Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA Canberra-bound in strong support for Australian Travel With Parliament sitting again this week, The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is Canberra-bound to lobby across a number of key areas for its members and the future success of the Australian travel industry. Rising Costs and Impacts of Flight Cancellations on Australian Travel and Tourism, Revealed by ATIA Research The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) today draws attention to the significant economic impact of domestic flight cancellations, as detailed in a recent research paper commissioned by the ATIA. ATIA welcomes Federal Government’s decision to guarantee Rex bookings and urges further support for travel advisors The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to guarantee all bookings for Rex Airlines as the airline continues its regional operations under voluntary administration ATIA unveils game-changing initiatives at inaugural Beyond Borders Summit The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a series of landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping Australia’s travel sector at the first-ever Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney. Australians embrace Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as travel surges in 2024 Australians are continuing to travel in record numbers, with the latest data revealing Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia as the top-growth destinations Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.