Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) has announced the establishment of two separate branches of the organisation in Asia and named their chairpersons. Alan Lam reports.
Owing to the sizes of the region and the market, the organisation is divided into CLIA North Asia and CLIA South Asia.
The southern branch will be chaired by, Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia CEO, with Jennifer Yip, Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director Singapore and Southeast Asia, as the Secretary; Paul Chong and William Harber, Carnival Asia’s executives, have been invited to join the Board.
The northern branch will be headed by Dr. Zinan Liu,Royal Caribbean's Managing Director Asia and China. Its aim will be to focus on infrastructure, advocacy and the promotion of cruise to travel industry communities in the region.
Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Singapore Tourism Board have been named as CLIA Global Executive Partners.
"Asia ranks highly on our list of emerging cruise regions as the globalisation of the cruise industry continues to gather pace," said Duffy. "CLIA member cruise lines are already deploying more ships in Asia, opening up more destinations, and customising their onboard offerings to cater to their Asian guests."
"CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia will have an influential voice as they work with government and private enterprise to address market needs, master trade distribution, create highly desirable itineraries and offer advice on port and infrastructure," continued Duffy.