209 Photo: credit Cruising on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway provides passengers with the opportunity to see a variety of attractions and views, including in Michigan’s capital of Detroit (above) and the sylvan shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan (left) protocols, resonate with today’s eco-centric cruise customer,” says Tindall-Schlicht. Increasing environmental, economic and social sustainability is key to the future of the region for TindallSchlicht, who was appointed the 11th administrator of the GLS by US President Joe Biden in November 2022. “I am truly honoured to be in this role,” he says. “The President and US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are committed to implementing game-changing infrastructure projects throughout the USA, including on the Great Lakes. I am humbled to serve the Biden Administration, working to create jobs in the Great Lakes region and grow the North American maritime economy. “As administrator, I am committed to expanding the use of the US and Canadian Great Lakes Seaway System in a sustainable and resilient way, including through cruise activity. A good climate and environmental policy is also a good economic and tourism policy. Resiliency planning is key for developing the right infrastructure and protecting the unique ecology of the waters here.” Tindall-Schlicht has created a threepoint plan to realise his high hopes for the future of the region. “In terms of environmental stewardship, we will be working towards implementing a green shipping corridor network on the Great Lakes Seaway System. This initiative will see a range of public and private stakeholders collaborate to drive the sustainability of the cruising industry by supporting the adoption of zero-emission fuels and technologies.” The Great Lakes Cruising Coalition (GLCC) is another integral component of Tindall-Schlicht’s plans. “The collective of US- and Canada-based ports, vessel agencies and tourism organisations are working to promote cruise activity and tell the Great Lakes story in a new and more dynamic way,” he says. “It also helps new and existing cruise operators with itinerary planning, port operations and facilitation with US federal agencies, among other things. “Beyond these collaborative efforts, we will also be spending approximately $5 million in trade development and international marketing funds within the next two years to help support commercial and cruise-related growth through the Great Lakes Seaway System.”
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