By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is to consolidate its US office into a single location in Washington DC in 2015.
Currently, CLIA has two US offices including one in Arlington, Virginia, which has focused on advocacy, technical and regulatory affairs, communications and organisational operations. The other office is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and supports travel agent members and Executive Partners.
“With the globalisation of CLIA, we have added new capabilities and expanded our resources in various parts of the world to support a growing cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA president and CEO.
All staff at the CLIA Arlington office will relocate to a new office in Washington DC in mid-January, while operations in the Fort Lauderdale office will conclude in the spring. Some Florida staff have been asked to consider a transfer to Washington, some will work for CLIA remotely, and others will transition out of the association.
“I have a great appreciation and regard for our Fort Lauderdale team and their dedication to our members,” said Duffy. “CLIA will be providing support to them throughout this transition.”
Cindy D’Aoust, who has been hired as executive vice president of Membership and Operations, will be responsible for managing and expanding the functions previously based in Fort Lauderdale.
Previously COO of Meeting Professionals International, D’Aoust has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She will oversee the consolidation of CLIA’s US offices and also serve in the role of vice president of trade relations, a position held most recently by Dwain Wall.