CLIA Expands Resources in Europe, Appoints Executives in Global Association Structure

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced an expansion of resources in the European market and several personnel appointments within the association's new global structure. This follows CLIA's Dec. 17 announcement that nine cruise industry 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 strong additions 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 the European 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 Cruise Council, 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.

About CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA's Associate Member and Executive Partner programs include the industry's leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog. 

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association