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Port city Kotor announces plans for sustainable tourism study in cooperation with cruise sectorPort city Kotor announces plans for sustainable tourism study in cooperation with cruise sector
Port city Kotor announces plans for sustainable tourism study in cooperation with cruise sector The Destination Assessment will be prepared by the Global Sustainable Tourism CouncilHamburg, 5 September 2023 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the municipality of Kotor and the port of Kotor in Montenegro and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced today that they will cooperate to conduct a destination assessment in the historic port city.This announcement comes on the back of a successful season for cruise tourism in Kotor, which is an important cruise port in the Adriatic region.The sustainability Destination Assessment will be conducted by the GSTC, and co-funded by CLIA jointly with the municipality and port. The assessment process, which includes local stakeholder consultation, will help the city to identify priorities with respect to destination management as well as any potential gaps and key risks.The assessment will encompass all forms of tourism with the aim of setting the foundation for a sustainability action plan for the city.Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor, said “The agreement between CLIA, the Port of Kotor and Kotor Municipality is going to contribute on one side to the raising of the level of services offered by the Town of Kotor and the Port, and on the other, even more importantly, to enhancing the preservation and management of the UNESCO heritage site,the Town of Kotor itself but also its surrounding area. By acting together, we are going to maintain the balance, preserve global cultural heritage but also be unselfish and make it possible for the multitude of visitors to become acquainted to the natural, cultural and historical wealth of Kotor and Boka Kotorska Bay. I believe that by exchanging good practices and by high quality management efforts we will be able to achieve the desired results to our mutual satisfaction.”Ljiljana Popović Moškov, President of the Board of Directors of the LUKA KOTOR company, pointed out: “The Port of Kotor, as a socially responsible company, is extremely interested in being a partner in this very important project and creating a strategy for the sustainability of Kotor as a tourist destination. Our company wants to raise its services to the highest level of quality that it provides to shipping companies or cruise companies, and this project will help us greatly to do so. Kotor is a city under the protection of UNESCO and I want to express my gratitude to CLIA for recognizing the importance of our destination and including us in what is an extremely important project for us. We expect that this project will be challenging in its creation, but also in its realization, considering that Kotor is a city located in the most beautiful fjord in this part of Europe, has only 22,000 inhabitants, and with close to 500 cruise ship calls annually, bring over half a million passengers to our city”.But no matter the challenges, the most important thing is that with this partnership with CLIA and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, we want the same thing: to make Kotor a sustainable tourist destination in the long term. And I am convinced that we will succeed in that.” Marie-Caroline Laurent, CLIA’s Director General in Europe, said “We are pleased to partner with the city of Kotor for this new study as part of our commitment to responsible tourism. Cruise tourism can be a force for good and brings significant social and economic benefits to communities. It is important that we work together and for destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and to visit.”Dr Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region said “As we embark on the groundbreaking journey of the GSTC Destination Assessment of Kotor, it is with great enthusiasm that we recognize the significance of this project, through the partnership between CLIA, the Municipality of Kotor, and the Port of Kotor JSC, underscoring a profound commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices. This strategic alignment resonates with the core principles of the GSTC and echoes the essence of the symbiotic relationship between industry stakeholders, local governance, and cruise infrastructure—a successful model of a holistic approach to destination sustainability. Following the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism Government of Montenegro's decision to join as a Member of the GSTC, the Assessment of Kotor not only reinforces the vision set forth by the Montenegro tourism development strategy 2022-2025 but also elevates the status of Kotor as a responsible tourism destination. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for the global tourism industry as a whole.". The city of Kotor is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Located in the Bay of Kotor, the city is set against a mountainous backdrop with important cultural heritage sites. The agreement was announced during CLIA’s Port and Destination Dialogue in Hamburg. The study start in the coming weeks and is anticipated to be completed in early 2024 in time for the summer season. 05 September, 2023 -
CLIA, Cruise Norway and European Cruise Service issue updated Menon reportCLIA, Cruise Norway and European Cruise Service issue updated Menon report
Based on the Menon Economics report “Cruise tourism must be developed as an integrated part of the tourism industry in a sustainable manner”. CLIA, Cruise Norway, and European Cruise Service, are releasing an updated report from Menon Economics. The Menon report was provided earlier this year as a contribution from various stakeholders to the Destination Committee in Norway. The main point is to explain and establish a strategy for a green, sustainable development of cruise tourism as an integrated part of the Norwegian tourism industry.The report highlights the international cruise industry’s commitments to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and support to EU’s strict regulations. New alternative fuel mixes, batteries, and shore power will together support the industry’s ambition to achieve net zero – provided that it is facilitated with good infrastructure and constructive adjustments.“We are very pleased with the work Menon has done, illustrating what the cruise industry can contribute to Norway society. We can do many things ourselves, but we also depend on strengthened cooperation with authorities both locally and nationally. I often say that cruising is the travel sector that has one of the shortest path to zero emissions but, for this to happen, we and the authorities need to communicate on practical solutions available.”Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIACLIA, Cruise Norway, and European Cruise Service will be present at this year’s Arendal Week to present the Cruise Platform and debate the future of sustainable cruising in Norway. Participants look forward to the debate and hope to highlight and propose good solutions, especially considering the local communities that more or less live off cruise tourism and are affected by new regulations in the World Heritage fjords.Event at Arendal Week:https://program.arendalsuka.no/event/user-view/20452 10 August, 2023 -
Save the Date! CLIA’s annual European Summit & inaugural CLIA Innovation Expo, Genoa, 11-14 March 2024Save the Date! CLIA’s annual European Summit & inaugural CLIA Innovation Expo, Genoa, 11-14 March 2024
Cruise industry announces European Summit and inaugural Innovation Expo to take place in Genoa in partnership with local and regional leadershipCLIA’s annual European Summit and inaugural CLIA Innovation Expo will take place 11-14 March 2024Genoa, Italy, 31 July 2023 — Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announces Genoa, Italy will be host to the 2024 European Summit and the new CLIA Innovation Expo.Both events will be part of a week of activities during 11-14 March 2024 focused on innovation, sustainability, and community.In partnership with the Ligurian Region, Municipality of Genoa, the Ports of Genoa, and Chamber of Commerce of Genoa, top cruise line executives, industry innovators, and political leaders will gather and show the industry’s leading role in providing environmental and tourism management solutions.The CLIA Innovation Expo is a new forum for companies currently supplying, or interested in supplying the cruise industry, with a focus on maritime technology, and hospitality.The Expo will showcase solutions and products from across Europe, Italy and in particular Liguria and the surrounding regions.The CLIA Innovation Expo will include an innovation hub where technology developers and suppliers across various categories will introduce and discuss new products and solutions for the industry.A Taste of Cruise Pavilion will include a culinary demonstration area and connect hotel, food, and beverage suppliers with cruise line decision makers in procurement and operations to discuss new offerings.The European Summit will build on the successful Summit in Genoa, 2022 and Paris, 2023 bringing together institutional representatives and stakeholders from across the supply chain to debate key policy issues and developments.Pierfrancesco Vago, Global Chairman, CLIA, and Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “Sustainability and innovation are the hallmarks of the cruise industry, and this week of activities will demonstrate this unequivocally. The entire cruise industry will send representatives including senior executives and buyers, making this a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to engage with our industry to come and showcase their products, solutions, and services. This is the first time that these events will take place, and Genoa, as a leading European cruise port and a centre for shipbuilding and marine technology development, is a perfect match for this inaugural event.”“The central role of Liguria in the cruise industry,” explains Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti, “is once again recognized by an international initiative. Thanks to CLIA, the new challenges of the blue economy will pass through our region to look at the future of the sector: together we will draw the lines for a more sustainable cruise tourism and how innovation will help to achieve new frontiers of shipping. The choice of Genoa as the capital of the event reaffirms the ability of the Liguria Region, the Chamber of Commerce, the Port System Authority, and the Municipality of Genoa to work together to attract major events related to cultural and conference tourism. A unique opportunity for visibility not only for the city, but also for all the ports of call in Liguria.”This is the first time that these events will take place, and Genoa, as a leading European cruise port and a centre for shipbuilding and marine technology development, is a perfect match for this inaugural eventMr Pierfrancesco Vago, CLIA ChairmanMayor Bucci of the Municipality of Genoa declares: “It is a great honour for Genoa.This Summit represents the strategic importance of our city in the Italian and European cruise sector.We have recovered and exceeded the pre-pandemic numbers, thanks to great teamwork.The goal for the coming years is to be able to confirm and surpass the passengers of recent years, demonstrating that our city is increasingly lively and attractive for Italian and foreign visitors.President Signorini of the Ports of Genoa says: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to host in Genoa, Mediterranean’s leading cruise destination, such an important event for the cruise industry. This year, with a forecast of more than 2 million cruise passengers, the Ports of Genoa are poised to consolidate their leadership in the Mediterranean. The port, shipping, shipyards, and cruise sectors represent an enormous valued-added contribution to the Liguria Region and the City of Genoa’s economy.We are firmly convinced that Genoa will be in a strong position to attract the industry’s major players at the forthcoming Cruise European Summit.”Luigi Attanasio, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa: “We are proud that Genoa is hosting for the second time the CLIA European Summit anditsfirst Expo that will include a Taste of Cruise Pavilion and an Innovation Hub that will allow Liguria and the surrounding regions to introduce many new providers of the world’s finest food, beverage and technical innovations for the cruise industry.”Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA, said: “The cruise industry is at the heart of Europe. These events will highlight how Europe is leading the way in cruise shipbuilding and what this means for the European economy. Europe is also setting the pace for sustainability and the cruise industry is using its innovation and expertise to help to deliver on Europe’s climate ambitions.Collaboration is key to innovation, and we look forward to a week of debate, displays, and workshops, showcasing the best of our industry.” The week of activities will gather cruise lines decision-makers, senior representatives of shipyards, classification societies, ports and destinations as well as governmental bodies, experts in maritime technologies, and existing and potential cruise suppliers with a focus on technology and hospitality.The cruise industry is at the heart of Europe. These events will highlight how Europe is leading the way in cruise shipbuilding and what this means for the European economyMarie-Caroline Laurent, Director General Europe, CLIAFor more information about this exciting event and to find out how your company can get involved, please visit www.cruising.org/CruiseWeek. To receive details on showcasing your products and services at the Innovation Expo please email us at [email protected] to Editors: In a show of the collective power of the cruise industry, CLIA will build on the success of the third edition of European Summit with expanded and enhanced content, interactive workshops, numerous networking events and a new CLIA Innovation Expo, providing an opportunity to showcase critical and new brands and products across hospitality, food and beverage, and marine technical services.The Expo will bring together the community to collaborate on innovation to help the industry achieve growth and provide new solutions, products, and services. During this week, our members will foster engagement, share intelligence, and connect with buyers, media, and suppliers from across Europe and around the globe.For more information, please contact: [email protected] 31 July, 2023 -
CLIA Statement regarding incorrect reports about cruise operations in Amsterdam 21 July 2023CLIA Statement regarding incorrect reports about cruise operations in Amsterdam 21 July 2023
In response to inaccurate reports about cruise operations in Amsterdam, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shares the following statement:We are aware of the media reports about the future of cruise in Amsterdam. As the port has publicly stated, cruise ships have not been banned from Amsterdam. Furthermore, the port and Passenger Terminal Amsterdam have already pledged to undertake investments worth millions of Euros in port infrastructure and shoreside electricity for the long-term. There have been discussions on its relocation outside the city centre which started back in 2016 and which are still ongoing.We are working with the authorities to accommodate the views expressed by Council members while continuing to support the communities that benefit from cruise tourism. Of the more than 21 million visitors that Amsterdam receives each year, around 1% arrive by cruise ship, with cruise tourism contributing around 105 million Euros to the city annually. 21 July, 2023 -
CLIA Statement regarding the Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping agreed to by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member StatesCLIA Statement regarding the Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping agreed to by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States
(WASHINGTON DC, 7 July 2023) Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) congratulates IMO Member States on agreeing to an ambitious Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping on 7 July 2023.Cruise lines are at the forefront of developing innovative environmental technologies and practices aimed at reducing emissions and are investing in the development of sustainable marine fuels and environmental technologies.With every new ship comes new technologies and greater efficiencies that make them more sustainable. The Revised Strategy agreed to at the IMO sends a strong signal to markets and fuel suppliers that should provide the new technologies and alternative fuels needed in order for the maritime sector to do its part in achieving net zero GHG emissions by or around 2050 consistent with the Revised Strategy.Although sustainable marine fuels and technologies are not yet available at scale, cruise lines are addressing these challenges with significant investments, innovative approaches, and systems designed to help the cruise sector transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels. Multiple pilot projects and collaborative initiatives are underway, and new engines and propulsion technologies are actively being planned and tested for use on cruise ships.Cruise lines are preparing for and embracing new technologies, innovations, and the uptake of alternative fuels as they become available. One example is battery technology, which can help to ensure engines and fuel cells operate at their most efficient and can supply short periods of zero-emissions power. More than 15% of cruise ships entering service in the next five years are specified to be equipped with fuel cells or battery storage to allow for hybrid power generation once the technology is available.Additional information and examples:Trialing includes exploring the expanded use of biofuels (already in use on four ships), synthetic carbon fuels, and electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and methanol fuel cells.Near-term solutions, which are currently being tested on ships, are offered by sustainable biofuels – namely, advanced biofuels (using non-food biomass), including bio-methanol and biomethane.Medium-term options being explored include synthetic e-fuels like e-methane and e-methanol. The first ships incorporating methanol are scheduled to be delivered in 2024. Seven ships incorporating methanol are due to be launched by CLIA members during the next five years.For more information on these and other sustainability initiatives, please contact [email protected]. 07 July, 2023 -
European Parliament debate: Empowering Women in Transport: The Maritime industry and the role of the EU, 27 June 2023European Parliament debate: Empowering Women in Transport: The Maritime industry and the role of the EU, 27 June 2023
Women are under-represented in the maritime sector.This event was the opportunity to share the positive example of cruise, and to raise awareness among the maritime community and policy makers about the importance of attracting women and young people to the maritime sector.To listen, two episodes of the “Shipping Podcast” by Lena Göthberg.Listening to those podcasts gives you a clear view of the issues raised that day.In the first episode, you clearly hear the intervention of Vanessa De Michelle, 1st Officer Carnival Maritime and Costa Cruises, sharing her experience onboard and giving her insights: https://ow.ly/X5a450PsFHoAt the beginning of the second episode, you can hear the discussion after the video testimony of Martel Fursdon, Deputy Captain of Ventura, P&O Cruises, was shown to the audience: https://bit.ly/479AvD9“My place is on a ship!”It was great to hear Vanessa De Michelle, 1st officer at Carnival and Costa Cruises, sharing her experience as a woman officer onboard of a cruise ship in front of stakeholders from European institutions, brought together by MEP Vera Tax in the European Parliament to discuss Empowering Women in Transport: The Maritime industry and the role of the EU.Women are under-represented in the maritime sector. However, Out of the 2% of women seafarers globally, 94% of them are in the cruise industry.This event was the opportunity to share the positive example of cruise, and to raise awareness among the maritime community and policy makers about the importance of attracting women and young people to the maritime sector.The cruise industry was represented in the panel by Vanessa De Michelle, 1st officer Carnival Maritime and Costa Cruises, who gave a motivational speech regarding her own career path from cadet to 1st officer and highlighted elements that she considered could help in attracting more women to pursue a career in the maritime industry.We also shared a “seafarer testimony” video of Martel Fursdon, Deputy Captain of Ventura, P&O Cruises which provided food for thought and discussion.The advice they gave to the audience to make women feel welcomed on board are:The “role model” factor: having a role model and being a role model is helping to create trust and confidence for women.Team spirit: It is critical to create a good team spirit on board, among women and with men.The speak up culture: Understanding that whenever you speak up, there is a result and actions are taken.Other panelists were Lena Göthberg, presenter and producer of the Shipping Podcast, Line Heimstad, European Transport Workers Federation, ETF, David Kerr, member of Commissioner Dalli’s cabinet and Sotiris Raptis, Secretary-General of European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the debate was moderated by Marjolein Van Noort, EU representative of the KVNR | Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners.Summarizing the debate, MEP Tax noted the following key elements:Show & Tell! Strengthen the awareness of the sector, especially among young people [man and woman!] by talking to them.Build and invest in the work culture, both on board and ashore.Facilitate practical matters on board including sanitary facilities and already take this into account when building ships, but also facilitate the right work clothing.Work together in the maritime cluster to offer new and current seafarers a maritime career that also provides clarity if you would like to have children in the future.Have data, there is still too little of that knowledge.MEP Tax pointed out: “A good work environment for women is a good workplace for everybody. The more diverse a workforce is, the better it will perform.”It is well known that a diverse teams boost creativity and Innovation. Workplace diversity creates greater opportunities for professional growth.Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. The cruise industry takes this goal seriously.Out of the 2% of women seafarers globally, 94% of them are in the cruise industry. At the same time, in the cruise sector, around 50% of women hold positions of mid-level seniority or higher. Cruise provides advancement opportunities for women, both on and off the ship.MEP Tax concluded by indicating that she looks forward to continuing the dialogue and emphasized that gender equality is not just a responsibility of women, but of all of us and that this requires awareness and concrete actions. 30 June, 2023 -
CLIA joins RSB to support shipping industry to sail more sustainablyCLIA joins RSB to support shipping industry to sail more sustainably
7 June 2023, Brussels – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, has joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) as part of its commitment to chart the course to net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. By becoming a RSB member, CLIA will also join over a hundred other organisations to support the continuous development of RSB’s Principles & Criteria – the world’s most trusted and credible approach for advancing the just and sustainable transition to a net positive world.In its mission to achieve net zero, CLIA cruise lines members are exploring many exciting and innovative avenues, including sustainable marine fuel (SMF) – given that 75% of its global cruise fleet is already capable of using SMF, once available at scale. CLIA’s membership to RSB’s collaborative network will therefore focus on leveraging access to RSB’s new Sustainable Marine Fuel Platform.As part of this platform, CLIA will work with other leading organisations in the maritime industry to address sustainability issues in marine fuel, develop approaches to engage with regulators, and advocate for consistent and robust sustainability practices.“Joining the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials signals the importance that the cruise sector places on collaboration as part of the transition to a sustainable economy. The development of sustainable marine fuels will be key to decarbonisation of shipping. We look forward to sharing expertise and exchanging ideas as part of our drive to discover the innovations and new technologies that will help to achieve our collective climate ambitions.” – Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General Europe, CLIA.“We are thrilled to welcome the Cruise Lines International Association to our collaborative network. We all look forward to working with CLIA to support the cruise sector to achieve their net-zero ambitions, sustainably. Unlocking collaboration within and across sectors is one of the most vital approaches to building a sustainable biocircular economy and we look forward to working with CLIA in our RSB Sustainable Marine Fuels Platform, as well as in our cross-cutting work on Book & Claim, power-to-X and much more. Together, we look forward to working collaboratively to drive positive change in the marine sector.” – Hannah Walker, Outreach and Engagement Director and lead on SMF at RSB.About CLIACLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organisation supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. For further information, please visit europe.cruising.org or cruising.org.About RSBThe Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is a global, multi-stakeholder and independent organisation that drives the development of a bio-based and circular economy. RSB has the world’s most trusted, peer-reviewed, global certification standard for sustainable biomaterials, biofuels and biomass production, from which it provides credible tools and solutions for sustainability that mitigate business risk and contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. For further information, visit https://rsb.org. 07 June, 2023 -
European Parliament Roundtable on Sustainable, Accessible, Inclusive Cruise Tourism – Supporting Local Communities and DestinationsEuropean Parliament Roundtable on Sustainable, Accessible, Inclusive Cruise Tourism – Supporting Local Communities and Destinations
Great discussion at the European Parliament on Sustainable, Accessible, Inclusive Cruise Tourism with Bernard Vanheule, Costa Cruises, Alessandro Carollo, Royal Caribbean Group, Marie-Caroline Laurent, CLIA Director-General in Europe, Claudia Tapardel, Moderator, Josianne Cutajar, MEP, Petar Vitanov, MEP, Elena Kountoura, MEP and Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, MEPOn 31 May, CLIA, together with four MEPs, hosted a Roundtable in the European Parliament focusing on sustainable, accessible and inclusive cruise tourism. The event brought together stakeholders from European institutions and various organisations to discuss:Sustainability onboard and in the ports and destinations we visit,DiversityAccessibility of cruise tourismWith thanks to MEPs Elena Kountoura, Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, Josianne Cutajar and Petar Vitanov for their important contributions to the debate. The debate also included interventions from Marie-Caroline Laurent, CLIA Director-General in Europe, Bernard Vanheule, Costa Cruises and Alessandro Carollo, Royal Caribbean Group. There was particular interest in the finding that cruise is often the only holiday option for travellers with reduced mobility, and the ways in which cruise lines support accessible holidays – with possible learnings for the rest of travel and tourism. The efforts made by cruise lines to promote gender equalitywas also welcomed as well as the way the industry supports local traditions, cultures, and economies.This roundtable illustrates that the initiatives we have highlighted today are essential and that we are a force for good. We fully contribute to European objectives like implementing the EU Green Deal or supporting the destinations we visitMarie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe 02 June, 2023 -
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award WinnersCruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2023 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners. The awards identify individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry. Award winners were inducted during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards & Gala Dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Thursday, April 20th, 2023.“The 2023 Hall of Fame Winners are an extraordinary group of industry leaders with incredible passion for travel and limitless dedication to their clients and guests,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO. “They are innovators, visionaries, and a shining example of how hard work and leadership lead to success. CLIA is proud to honor their contributions.”CLIA congratulates its Hall of Fame Inductee Class of 2023LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERSAwarded to two individuals — one from the CLIA North American Travel Trade Membership and one from either a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member or River Marketing Affiliate — who are lifetime champions of cruise travel and have made monumental contributions to the cruise industry.Michael BayleyPresident and CEORoyal Caribbean InternationalAt the helm of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise line, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley leads a global team of more than 50,000 employees who deliver memorable family vacations to more than five million international guests on 26 ships that sail to more than 290 destinations.Bayley is responsible for the cruise line’s entire operation, which also includes private destinations Labadee, Haiti, and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas – the first in a series of private island destinations around the world known as Perfect Day Island Collection. A key focus of his is to inspire every team to deliver the unrivaled and award-winning Royal Caribbean experience of innovation and excellence from ship to shore.Bayley’s responsibilities also include key operations for Royal Caribbean Group, the cruise line’s parent company. He oversees the corporation’s destination and port development, consisting of various ongoing projects in different stages around the world.Within the industry, Bayley is recognized as a thought leader and proponent of partnership across governments, cruise lines and trade organizations. He’s on the global board of directors for Cruise Lines International Association and is an executive committee member of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association as well as a co-chair of its Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force, which builds cooperative relationships with destinations.The president and CEO began his 40-year career in 1981 as an assistant purser on Royal Caribbean’s m.s. Nordic Prince. In his 10 years at sea, he worked in a variety of positions, each with increasing responsibility. His success led him to become vice president of guest satisfaction, fleet operations; senior vice president of hotel operations and onboard revenue; and later as executive vice president of operations, overseeing marine, hotel, tour and ground operations, and commercial development. He spent time based in Europe as chairman and managing director of Island Cruises, a joint venture between First Choice Holidays – a leading U.K. Tour Operator – and Royal Caribbean. Bayley also once served as vice president at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.The industry veteran has pioneered the concept of cruising in emerging markets across the globe. In 2008, as executive vice president of international sales and marketing at Royal Caribbean, Bayley opened offices in 11 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, and he was instrumental in opening and developing the China market. He was named president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises in 2012 and was responsible for improving the line’s overall financial performance when he expanded the vacation offering to guests in the premium segment. He then became president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International in 2014.Gloria BohanPresident and CEOOmega World TravelGloria Bohan has had a lifetime of groundbreaking impact on the travel industry, facilitating exciting new trends and shaping how the industry conducts business. Gloria founded Omega World Travel in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1972, providing leisure travel services to the public. Over the past 50 years, Ms. Bohan has transformed Omega’s initial one-person office into an international full-service travel management company.Now based in Fairfax, VA, Omega’s sales revenues have exceeded $1 billion a year. Omega was ranked the 4th largest privately-owned travel agency in the United States by Business Travel News (2020), is the largest woman-owned travel agency, and is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (“WBENC”). Omega’s on and off-site corporate offices, government offices, and call centers are located in cities throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Korea. Ms. Bohan also owns Cruise.com, one of the largest online cruise sellers, and TravTech, a travel technology company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the industry. In addition, Omega’s M.I.C.E. division offers an events department with hybrid meeting software that achieves maximum attendance numbers.Gloria has frequently been recognized for her achievements in the travel industry, including receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards from Northstar Travel Group’s Travel Weekly (2021), The American Society of Travel Advisors (2019), and the Executive Women’s Forum (2011). Ms. Bohan was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame in 2011 and has been named one of the 25 Most Influential Leaders in the Travel Industry by Tour and Travel News. She has further been listed as one of the Most Powerful Women in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine and Woman of the Year by The Network of Entrepreneurial Women.Though best known for her achievements in travel, Gloria has also been an ardent supporter of education and community-orientated endeavors. Ms. Bohan began her career as a New York City Public School teacher and has long supported the Junior Achievement program which pairs participating youth with business mentors. In the early 2000s, Gloria and her late husband established the Gloria and Dan Bohan Foundation which fosters entrepreneurship and encourages more diverse participation in our economy. Ms. Bohan credits her many successes to giving others a chance to tap into their creativity, the excellent support of businesses around the world, her partnerships with the Travel and Hospitality industry, and her dedicated staff.TRAVEL AGENCY INNOVATOR AWARD WINNERAwarded to a CLIA Travel Agency Member or Premier Agency Member that has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel, growing their cruise travel sales, and supporting their affiliated travel advisors.Michael ConsoliMichael Consoli is the owner of Cruise Planners/Michael Consoli & Associates and has been a Cruise Planners franchise owner for 20 years. He is the #1 producing agent in the Cruise Planners network and had a record sales year of $24 million in 2022. Consoli has been on 250+ cruises on all different lines and strives to share these experiences with his clients through social media, video, and first-hand accounts of his travels.Consoli’s team consists of a seasoned support staff of four members who all play an integral role in helping him plan and execute countless personalized trips for his guests. Their goal is to help their guests realize their vacation dreams, assist them in planning a trip that exceeds his guests’ expectations, all while making sure his clients are provided exceptional service and value.Each year, Consoli curates several invitation-only trips, which he personally escorts for his clients. This allows him to take the agent-client relationship to a higher level, providing him the ability to better understand their travel style, and assists him in planning future trips tailored for his clients. Consoli cherishes the relationships he has built with industry executives, travel agent peers and, of course, his loyal clients. It is these relationships, combined with the exceptional service he provides his clients that allow him to continue to receive recognition as Viking’s Global Top producer, Cruise Planners’ #1 Luxury and #1 River Cruise agent as well as top producer status with Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Tauck year after year.ELITE CRUISE COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERAwarded to a CLIA Individual Agent Member who has demonstrated their career commitment to professional development through achievement of Elite Cruise Counsellor or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status – the pinnacle of CLIA certification – with the requisite sales requirements as well as significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency.Diane Mason, ECCSDiane Mason was born in St. Louis, MO but has lived in many areas of the United States. While serving as an Aircraft Mechanic Hydraulics Technician (AMH2) in the United States Navy, (1983–1989), she enjoyed the opportunity of living abroad in a variety of locations, as well. While in the US Navy Reserves, Diane attended Travelers Choice School of Travel in Honolulu, HI, graduating in 1989. After successfully completing ‘comprehensive Travel Theory & Apollo Computer Reservations’, she began building her repertoire of extensive travel experience as a local island tour builder on Oahu and the outlying islands.Diane’s journey towards becoming a million-dollar corporate agent began in the 90’s with companies such as Uniglobe, Travel One and SAIC. These experiences set her up for success and were instrumental in creating The Cruise Planner, LLC (aka–The Cruise & Travel Planner). Initially starting her business in the Virginia Area in 1998, she moved back to her hometown of St. Louis, MO in 1999 until relocating to Gulf Breeze, FL in 2022.Diane earned her CLIA certification as an Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar in 2012 becoming the only ECCS in the entire state of Missouri. Diane quickly realized that CLIA Certification was an integral part of building a successful travel agency. Diane’s passion to educate, train, and grow top producing, successful travel advisors became evident when her team of independent contractors achieved various levels of certifications through CLIA, with two of them also earning ECC.Diane volunteered for many years in the Booster Club at a local high school in Missouri, assisting in concession stand sales which provided much needed funds. This resulted in safe and successful grad night events for the local youth. Being an active, highly effective business networker in the community, she not only helped to grow her own business but assisted in helping her colleagues grow their businesses as well. She is currently a member of the FBE women’s veteran group, supporting women veterans of all military services. Diane currently resides with her husband Jim and their 6-Month-old French Bulldog named Emmy Lulu. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, walks in the neighborhood and shell hunting on the most beautiful beaches along the panhandle. 30 April, 2023 -
CLIA 2022 Europe Market ReportCLIA 2022 Europe Market Report
On the road to industry recoveryThe cruise market continued its growth trajectory in 2022.Throughout the year, intent to cruise continued to rise – surpassing 2019 levels – and cruise ships were once again bringing full ships to ports around the world and positively contributing to their local economies.In 2022, more than 20 million people around the world chose to take a cruise holiday.In Europe there were 5.8 million (+228% on 2021) and the three main destinations were the Mediterranean (38.4%), Northern Europe (29%) and the Caribbean (10.6%).The sector trend is positive, also looking to the future. Indeed, according to an international survey, the “desire for cruises” continues to grow. 85% of those who have been on a cruise say they want to do it again and 73% of those who have never taken a cruise are considering the option. Within these two categories, 71% consider it “likely” or “very likely” to board in the next two years.Growing awareness of climate protection and sustainabilityThe passenger numbers for 2023 and opinion surveys tell us that the industry’s ability to innovate, diversify the offer and become more sustainable are producing results and we can be rightly optimistic for the futureMarie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIAThe cruise industry is pursuing net zero carbon cruising by 2050 and driving efforts to become one ofthe most sustainable forms of tourism. CLIA data shows the passengers are becoming more aware of sustainable tourism: 83% of cruise passengers who sailed in the past 12 months said they were ‘much more’ or ‘more’ aware of environmental and sustainable tourism. “Despite the challenges of recent years, cruise lines have continued to carry out an ambitious environmental program and every year the fleet becomes more efficient and sustainable so as to reach the goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050” – says Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA.“The passenger numbers for 2023 and opinion surveys tell us that the industry’s ability to innovate, diversify the offer and become more sustainable are producing results and we can be rightly optimistic for the future”, she adds. 28 April, 2023