The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has confirmed the extension of Jill Abel’s contract as CEO of the Association for a further three year term.
Grant Gilfillan, Chair of Australian Cruise Association enthusiastically supported the announcement.
“Jill has done an outstanding job in this critically important role and during her 14 years with the Association has shown incredible leadership to help grow the cruise industry in Australia.
“During her tenure, our membership numbers have nearly doubled, with the Association now representing a diverse range of organisations including gateway and regional ports, international, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, ground handlers, inbound tour operators, iconic attractions and companies dedicated to marketing the region as a world class cruise destination.”
Jill began working in the cruise industry in 1995 when she became a consultant to Hobart Ports – now TasPorts – looking after the operations aspects of cruise ship visits. That position developed to include the Executive Officer role of Cruise Tasmania, where she was responsible for marketing the state as a cruise destination.
Since her appointment to the Association in 2005, Jill has overseen all marketing initiatives of the member-based organisation including international sales missions and attendance at international cruise events. Through her efforts, ACA has grown the number of members attending Seatrade Cruise Global in Florida and last year lead the largest Australian delegation in the Association’s history to this vitally important event underlining the importance of cruise to Australia.
