Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty has been appointed Chairman by its Board of Directors. Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises S.A. who served in the role since January 2021.
"On behalf of the CLIA community including ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, travel advisers, and agencies, I would like to congratulate Mr. Liberty on his appointment as CLIA chair,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA.
Kelly Craighead, President-CEO of CLIA (Photo via CLIA)
“Mr. Liberty assumes the chairmanship at a time when the industry is building on the momentum of strong demand and our members are advancing ambitious sustainability initiatives in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. (He) is a highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realize our global operating ambitions."
Liberty became Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO in early 2022, following a career spanning nearly two decades in the cruise industry and having served as the company's Chief Financial Officer for many years.
He stewards three industry-leading brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, known for innovations in their respective industry segments; as well as joint ventures in Germany-based TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which the company is a 50% owner.
CLIA logo (Photo Credit: Cruise Lines International Association)
"I am excited and honoured to lead this organization as we enter a new era of cruising. With consumer demand continuing to accelerate, we are doubling down on our commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth, ensuring that we are not only investing in our oceans and communities, but preserving them for generations of travellers to come," Liberty said.
"I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners around the world to further position cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today's travelers that create positive ripple effects across the globe."
Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of travel and tourism and is forecasted to reach 106% of 2019 levels in 2023 -- with 31.5 million passengers sailing -- and approximately 35 million passengers in 2024.
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