Natalie Turmine, CEO Service and Creative Skills Australia and Lisa Lillis, Director, Stakeholder Engagement recently attended a special breakfast onboard the P&O Pacific Adventure cruise ship, hosted by Business Sydney and Carnival Australia.

With more than $3.3 billion invested in NSW, and more than $5.2 billion across Australia’s economy, the Cruise Industry is widely recognised for its impact within the Tourism and Hospitality sectors. It brings substantial benefits for several communities, small companies, tourism, and hospitality operators.

The event highlighted the immense economic contribution of the cruise industry, along with identified opportunities and challenges in attracting and developing the current and future workforce.

NSW Parliamentary Minister for the Premier & the Arts – Julia Finn MP, attended the breakfast to discuss the pivotal role the Cruise industry plays in the current and future success of NSW tourism.

A distinguished panel of industry leaders and speakers included:

• Meryl Swanson MP
  Federal Member for Paterson (Representing Senator the Hon. Don Farrell)
• Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line
• Steve Cox Chief Executive Officer, Destination NSW
• Luke Mangan Celebrity Chef, P&O Cruises
• Bede Fennell Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs, Tourism Australia
• As well, a panel discussion was held which was moderated by The Daily Telegraph’s Editor Ben English featuring:
  • Teresa Lloyd from Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises
  • Margy Osmond Chief Executive Officer, Tourism & Transport Forum, and Board member at Service and Creative Skills Australia
  • Nick Abrahim Chief Executive Officer, NSW Taxi Council
  • Michael Johnson Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia

In addition to this special event, this year marks the successful 90 years’ milestone celebration of P&O Cruises. They have come a long way within the tourism sector since their first voyage in 1932. As the Jobs and Skills Council with both the Tourism and Hospitality sectors under our remit, we acknowledge the vital role that the Cruise sector plays in our economy, the workforce and across respective industries. We are committed to further strengthening the Tourism and Hospitality sectors through our ongoing industry workforce planning and development.