CLIA expands with National Organization in Germany

WASHINGTON - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the establishment ofCLIA Germany at the world's biggest tourism fair ITB Berlin 2013. The new national association will be headquartered in Hamburg and will be chaired by Michael Ungerer, CEO of AIDA Cruises. This follows CLIA's Jan. 30 announcement of its expanded resources in Europe with CLIA Germany joining CLIA UK and Ireland and CLIA Netherlands as a part of CLIA's newly established global structure."The establishment of CLIA Germany further expands our presence in Europe, one of the most important markets for the global cruise industry," said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. "With a significantly enhanced presence in Europe the cruise industry has never been better positioned to speak with one global voice.""We are very pleased to announce the establishment of CLIA Germany as part of CLIA's new worldwide structure," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of CLIA Europe, in his keynote speech which introduced ITB's Cruise Panel. "With the establishment of a German national association, the cruise industry can better support its members locally and ensure they benefit from CLIA's global programs in the second largest cruise market in Europe, one which 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, a year-over-year increase of nearly 14 percent."

CLIA Germany's Leadership Council will be led by Ungerer, Michael Zengerle, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Germany as Vice Chairman, and Helge Grammerstorf, Managing Director of SeaConsult, as National Director.  As part of CLIA's unified structure, along with German cruise lines, all relevant European regional and global association members will have membership on CLIA Germany's Leadership Council.  Additionally, ex-officio seats will be provided to German Travel Association, German Shipowners Association, and the CLIA Europe Secretary General. 

CLIA Germany will be focusing extensive energies on strengthening its relationships with the travel agent community and the German Travel Association. Given this emphasis, Richard Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises, who also serves as chairman of the German Travel Association's Cruise Section, will be the cruise industry's primary liaison to the travel agent community.