CLIA announces Germany expansion
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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the establishment of CLIA Germany today (6 March) at ITB Berlin.
The new body will be chaired by Michael Ungerer, CEO of AIDA Cruises and joins CLIA UK and Ireland and CLIA Netherlands which were both announced earlier in the year.
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, chairman of CLIA Europe, said in his keynote speech, which introduced ITB’s Cruise Panel: “We are very pleased to announce the establishment of CLIA Germany as part of CLIA’s new worldwide structure. 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 programmes 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%.”
Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA said: “The establishment of CLIA Germany further expands our presence in Europe, one of the most important markets for the global cruise industry. With a significantly enhanced presence in Europe the cruise industry has never been better positioned to speak with one global voice.”
Other senior members of CLIA Germany will include Michael Zengerle, managing director of MSC Cruises Germany, who has been appointed vice chairman; and Helge Grammerstorf, managing director of SeaConsult, who will be national director.