By
Rebecca Gibson |
Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will join executives from the world’s four largest cruise brands to discuss the future of sustainable tourism during the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote at Seatrade Cruise Global this April.
Set to take place on 9 April 2019, the keynote discussion will be hosted in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. It will be moderated by BBC World News’ broadcast journalist Lucy Hockings and
“The cruise industry has an incredible impact on the global economy and drives hospitality trends across many demographics,” said Hockings. “As both a journalist and consumer, I look forward to learning from the leaders who are reimagining the industry and steering it into the future.”
Delegates will be able to hear from Pololikashvili, as well as Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises; and Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Debates will focus on sustainability, innovation, how to attract new cruise guests, environmental initiatives, emerging markets, the future outlook on China, the rise of expedition cruising and more.
“It is an extraordinary time in the cruise industry. Technologically advanced ships are setting sail for the first time, disruptive brands are changing the marketplace and passengers have more choices than ever before – and Seatrade Cruise Global brings it all together as the worldwide hub of cruising innovation,” said Chiara Giorgi, brand director for Seatrade Cruise Global. “The conference’s preeminent event, the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote, will once again bring industry leaders and visionaries together to share invaluable insight on today’s transforming seascape.”