By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cyprus-based Louis Cruises has become the 26th member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
The Mediterranean operator’s decision to join CLIA indicates the increasing size and importance of the European market as the cruise industry continues to globalise operations.
“This affiliation constitutes a rewarding recognition for the 25-year-long successful history of Louis Cruises,” said Costakis Loizou, executive chairman of Louis Group and CEO of Louis Cruises. “It also recognises the efforts of more than 8,500 employees with hundreds of Greek officers and crew that are employed onboard the Louis Cruises fleet, as well as the thousands of dedicated members of staff that Louis Group employs in Greece and Cyprus. It is their continued commitment to excellence that made Louis Cruises a leading choice for vacations throughout the Mediterranean.”
Louis Cruises’ membership will offer new sales opportunities for CLIA’s North American travel agents and more choice for consumers wanting to sail in the Mediterranean.
“We are delighted and heartened by the decision of one of Europe’s most important cruise companies to join CLIA,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA’s president and CEO. “Even as internationally sourced passengers, particularly those from Europe, continue to grow in numbers on CLIA member lines, North American travellers are increasingly looking for new cruise destinations. Louis Cruises will give those vacationers, and CLIA’s member travel agencies, a whole new range of options for Mediterranean cruises.”
Louis Cruises’ programmes enable passengers to sail to various destinations in the Mediterranean, such as the Greek Isles, Italy, France Spain, Malta and Turkey. Operating a fleet of ships designed to sail in the region, the company is able to take passengers into smaller island ports with ease. This spring, Louis is introducing the Louis Majesty to the eastern Mediterranean, offering upgraded quality and capacity for the line’s three- and four-night cruises.