Two back-to-back forums focused on ports and destinations, and technical and regulatory topics
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosted its first London-based Executive Partner Conference on 6-7 February, bringing together 200 delegates – including 46 cruise executives – from 21 countries.
Delegates attended two back-to-back forums, which were focused on ports and destinations, and technical and regulatory topics. They were also able to participate in interactive workshops and a ‘Shark Tank’ session, inspired by the US TV show.
“This CLIA Europe Executive Partner Conference offered an ideal platform for professionals of the cruise industry to learn to work better together,” said Elisabetta de Nardo, global head of port operations and destination management at Silversea Cruises. “Our industry is growing at a fast pace in Europe and it is essential to ensure that ports, destinations and cruise lines work together more proactively, identifying effective ways to ensure joint success. Both days of business sessions allowed all participants to learn more about the cruise industry and its legislative implications.”
In addition, CLIA’s technical and supply chain professionals were updated on the key developments about technology, risk management, human resources, legislation, procurement and ship design. Participants had the opportunity to discuss safety and security, medical, public health and environmental stewardship.
“The new CLIA Europe Executive Partner Conference was a great success and the two forums generated engagement from all parties,” said Tom Strang, senior vice president of maritime affairs at Carnival Corporation. “Numerous best practices were shared for the benefit of more effective synergies for the future of the cruise industry.”
Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CLIA Europe’s new chairman and CEO of Celestyal Cruises, delivered his first keynote at a CLIA Connect Dinner.
“The European cruise industry has a promising future, but it is only by working together, as one industry with one voice, that we will positively impact the speed and the sustainability of this growth,” said Anastassiadis.
CLIA’s next event – the Summit at Sea – will be held onboard Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth from 9-12 May 2017. A welcome reception and business sessions will take place in Hamburg, followed by a two-night cruise to Southampton.