This
follows CLIA’s Dec. 17 announcement that nine cruiseindustry
associations around the world had joined
together under a common, unified structure to represent the global
cruise industry with one voice.
Joining
CLIA UK and Ireland, the Dutch Cruise Council (DCC) has agreed to be
a part of CLIA and is the 10th cruise association to join CLIA’s
newly established global structure. The DCC was formed in 2009 and
has 16 member cruise lines. It will operate under the name "CLIA
Netherlands." In France, an agreement was reached with AFCC, the
French cruise association, to become CLIA France in late spring. CLIA
is also currently developing a German cruise council based in Hamburg
which will be named CLIA Germany. The German cruise market has
experienced substantial growth in recent years with the number of
passengers growing from 1.2 million in 2010 to 1.4 million in 2011,
representing a significant year-over-year increase of nearly 14
percent. Later this year, CLIA plans to establish cruise councils in
Italy and Spain to ensure a strong local presence for the cruise
industry in those important markets.
"Europe
is an important market for the cruise industry because of its diverse
and breathtakingly beautiful destinations that are rich in cultural
heritage and offer something for every traveler," said Christine
Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. "As we focus on ensuring the
cruise industry speaks with one voice we are delighted to welcome the
Dutch Cruise Council and the AFCC as part of CLIA, and we look
forward to broadening the industry’s representation in key European
markets as CLIA expands its presence in Germany, Italy and Spain."
In addition to
CLIA’s expansion in Europe, CLIA also announced five appointments
within the newly formed global association.
"This
is an exciting year for CLIA as we implement the association’s new
global structure," Duffy said. "Putting the right talent in
place is critical as we focus on delivering enhanced value to the
global cruise industry while representing it internationally with one
voice before numerous stakeholders. The appointments we are
announcing today are strongadditions to
the CLIA team, and we look forward to their contributions as we build
on the value we deliver to our members and partners. I also wish to
express the industry’s deep gratitude to Tim Marking, Secretary
General of CLIA Europe, who is retiring after serving in that role
with distinction since CLIA Europe was established in 2004 as
theEuropean
Cruise Council. We will greatly miss Tim’s
leadership and exemplary representation of the cruise industry, and
we wish him all the best in retirement."
The
new appointments include:
Robert
Ashdown has been appointed as the new Secretary General for CLIA
Europe, formerly the European CruiseCouncil, where he was
Director of Technical, Environmental and Operational issues since
2010. Prior to CLIA Europe, Mr. Ashdown held a variety of roles with
increasing responsibility at the UK Chamber of Shipping. Under the
new CLIA global structure, Mr. Ashdown will be responsible for all
aspects of cruise industry affairs in Europe, working closely with
CLIA’s global Technical and Regulatory function, as well as
promotion of cruising. He succeeds Tim Marking who, as mentioned
previously, is retiring after serving as Secretary General for nearly
a decade. Mr. Ashdown will be based in Brussels and his appointment
is effective March 1, 2013.
Barbara
Muckermann was named Global Communications Advisor to CLIA and will
support the global association team with strategic oversight of
international communication activities, including media relations and
digital strategies. She also will assist with the implementation of
CLIA’s globalization efforts involving various cruise association
offices outside of North America. Ms. Muckermann was previously Chief
Marketing Officer for MSC
Cruises.
Tomas
Matesanz is appointed Communications Director for CLIA Europe, based
in Brussels. Mr. Matesanz is responsible for the communications needs
for CLIA Europe, including media relations, management of local
public relations agencies in various countries, and implementation of
CLIA’s global communications priorities in the European markets.
Prior to CLIA, Mr. Matesanz was Senior Director at a leading
communications consultancy in Spain and Latin America, Llorente &
Cuenca, based in Madrid.
Didier
Scaillet will serve as Vice President, Business Development,
responsible for CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner
programs, focusing on value creation for CLIA and for the associate
members, globally and regionally. Mr. Scaillet will manage a cohesive
and comprehensive global research agenda, including economic impact
studies, market profiling and
key industry capacity development data. Mr. Scaillet has extensive
experience in business and partnership development having served for
many years as Chief Development Officer for Meeting Professionals
International.
Rob
Griffiths, formerly a consultant to CLIA, has been named Director of
Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Design and Engineering within
CLIA’s global Technical and Regulatory function, led by Bud Darr,
Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs. CLIA’s
Technical and Regulatory Affairs team represents the global cruise
industry before the International Maritime Organization and other
maritime regulatory and oversight authorities. He is responsible for
matters involving shipboard operations, safety, environmental
protection, and other operational matters involving the cruise
industry. Mr. Griffiths was previously with the U.S. Coast Guard and
is based in CLIA’s Washington, D.C., office.
