Friday, January 19, 2024
Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, appointed as Chairman of CLIA, succeeding Pierfrancesco Vago, to guide the rapidly growing global cruise industry.
Today, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a prominent organization in the global cruise industry, announced the appointment of Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, as its new Chairman. Liberty takes over from Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises S.A., who held the position 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. 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,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Mr. Liberty is a highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realize our global operating ambitions.”
“I would also like to thank Mr. Vago for his leadership as chair over the past three years, navigating challenging times and creating a solid foundation for the industry’s future growth,” Craighead added.
Having joined Royal Caribbean Group in early 2022 as President and CEO, Liberty brings nearly 20 years of experience in the cruise industry, including a lengthy tenure as Chief Financial Officer. Under his leadership, the company witnessed significant financial growth and became one of the best-performing stocks. Liberty oversees three major brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, each known for groundbreaking innovations. Additionally, he manages the Group’s interests in TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in Germany, where the company owns a 50% stake.
“I am excited and honored 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 travelers 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.”
The cruise industry is among the fastest-growing segments in global travel and tourism. It is projected to surpass its 2019 performance by 106% in 2023, with an expected 31.5 million passengers, and to reach around 35 million global passengers in 2024.
The CLIA’s global chairperson plays a crucial role in guiding the CLIA Global Executive Committee and Board of Directors. This position involves setting strategic objectives for the association, which represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines. CLIA is dedicated to achieving ambitious sustainability targets. Each year, its member fleet becomes increasingly efficient through the adoption of new technologies, innovations, and sustainable alternative fuels when available.
CLIA serves as a vital, unified representative for the worldwide cruise industry, encompassing cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, and an extensive travel advisor community.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
