CLIA UK announces chief
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It has been revealed that Andy Harmer is to head the newly formed CLIA UK – the British arm of the new global cruise organisation.
Harmer is currently director of the Association of Cruise Experts – the agent facing arm of the Passenger Shipping Association. He will take up his new position on 1 May 2013.
ACE, along with nine other regional cruise associations, are joining together to create one organisation to provide a “global voice for the industry” according to a statement.
Andy Harmer said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of director for CLIA UK & Ireland at such an exciting time. Our goal is to grow the cruise market in the UK and Ireland by working with our travel agent partners and highlighting, through our consumer media campaigns, the many and varied great reasons for taking a cruise holiday. We will continue to provide effective training, support, national and international events for agents with the new association offering more robust partnership programmes and networking on a broader scale.
“Technical and regulatory issues will now be looked after by our colleagues in CLIA Europe who will oversee the activities of the national associations. We look forward to working with them on developing events and communications to create a greater interest in cruise holidays.”
After 19 years as PSA Director, Bill Gibbons will be retiring on 1 May. He said: “I have seen huge changes since I joined in 1994 as cruise has expanded from what some considered a preserve of the wealthy to a mainstream affordable holiday. Over the same time the ferry sector has seen considerable consolidation but has transformed the quality of the service with investment in new ships and services. The passenger shipping industry should be proud of what it has achieved.
“The formation of a global cruise association makes total sense for what is now a worldwide industry. We have a strong, dedicated team who will be moving forward with CLIA and I should like to thank all our member lines and associate members for their huge support and commitment over the years.”