News

Costa Group CEO Michael Thamm appointed Chairman of CLIA Europe

BRUSSELS, 30th January 2019 - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe appoints Michael Thamm, Group CEO Costa Group and Carnival Asia, as Chairman of CLIA Europe from January 2019.

Thamm succeeds David Dingle, Chairman of Carnival UK, who has served as interim CLIA Europe Chairman since Summer 2018.

“I am grateful for my election as Chairman of CLIA Europe and honoured by the trust the industry places in me at a crucial time for the growth of our business,” said Thamm. “Under my leadership, CLIA Europe will strengthen its commitment to a constructive dialogue with our stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges we face and to further develop the cruise industry in Europe. It is our goal to prosper together and create a more sustainable future, while we continue to deliver great vacations at sea and meaningful experiences to our passengers.”

In his new role, Thamm will work with the CLIA Europe general assembly and CLIA teams across the continent to continue to promote the common interests of cruise ship operators in Europe. This will include close liaison with key EU institutions, and a wide range of stakeholders to foster the sustainable growth of the cruise industry in the European market.

Tom Boardley, Secretary General of CLIA Europe, added: “I would like to thank David for his stewardship of the CLIA Europe General Assembly these past months. It has been a pleasure working with him. I’m pleased to welcome Michael as the new chair of CLIA Europe and I look forward to working with him at this exciting and dynamic time for the European cruise industry.”

As the global cruise industry continues to grow and expand into new destinations, Europe remains a vibrant hub for cruising. ”We welcome Michael’s leadership as Chair of CLIA Europe and his enduring support for the cruise industry, as it continues to contribute significantly to the European economy in smarter and more sustainable ways. His passion and commitment will benefit the organization and will guide CLIA Europe’s continued work with policymakers, regulators and stakeholders,” commented Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA.

Thamm is a veteran in the cruise sector, with over 30 years of industry experience. From 1993, he was a key player in developing the cruise market in Germany, positioning AIDA Cruises as the market leader. He was President of AIDA Cruises from 2004 to 2012, during
which time he initiated a new building program that saw the fleet grow by one vessel each year between 2007 and 2013. In 2012, Thamm was appointed Group CEO to lead the global business of Costa Group that includes Costa Crociere, AIDA Cruises and Carnival Maritime. Besides this role, in January 2017 he was named Group CEO Costa Group and Carnival Asia extending his responsibility over this region.

In addition to Michael Thamm, the other members of the CLIA Europe Executive Committee, as confirmed by the General Assembly, are: David Dingle, Chairman, Carnival UK; Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman, Silversea Cruises; Wybcke Meier, CEO, TUI Cruises; Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President, International, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises.

Europe is the world’s second biggest cruise market, both in terms of source of passengers (7 million) and as a cruise destination (6.5 million passengers embarked)¹ .The cruise market contributed almost €48 billion to the European economy in 2017, with 400,000 people employed in cruise and cruise-related businesses².

ENDS
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice -

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 26.5 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organisation’s mission is to be the unified global organisation that helps its members succeed by advocating for, educating on and promoting the common interests of the cruise community.

¹ Data source: CLIA 2017 Europe Economic Impact Report
² Data source: CLIA 2017 Europe Economic Impact Report