CLIA appoints Director of Government Affairs in Australasia

September 19, 2023 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has appointed Hugh Cavill as Director of Government Affairs in Australasia, a role that will strengthen the cruise industry’s presence among policymakers and stakeholders across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Mr Cavill joins CLIA with extensive experience in state government, tourism and transport, having worked in senior policy and strategy advisor roles for several NSW Ministers including former NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole. He was a past advisor to former NSW tourism ministers Adam Marshall and George Souris, and assisted in the development of the NSW Cruise Development Plan.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the appointment would reinforce the cruise industry’s standing among governments and destinations throughout the region.

“The international cruise industry is as a major generator of employment and economic opportunities in Australasia, and our engagement with governments will be increasingly important as we work to develop sustainably into the future,” Mr Katz said. “Hugh brings a great deal of skill and experience that will help focus attention on our industry’s economic importance, its tourism contribution, and its leadership in pursuing a net-zero maritime sector globally.”

Based in CLIA’s Sydney regional headquarters, Mr Cavill will work closely with cruise line leaders and industry stakeholders to represent the interests of the Australasian cruise sector to governments and the wider business community. He supports CLIA’s international role as the leading voice of the global cruise industry, joining a network of government affairs and advocacy executives in CLIA offices across North and South America, Europe, and Australasia.