Robert Ashdown CLIA Europe Sec Gen
Cruise industry welcomes Latvian EU Presidency and calls for progress on the Visa Code review
Maritime transport seen as key contributor to Europe’s economy
Brussels, 12 January 2015 – CLIA Europe, the association representing Europe’s multibillion-Euro cruise industry, welcomes the priorities of the Latvian EU Presidency, particularly the aim of achieving a more competitive Europe, in line with the objectives of the new European Commission. CLIA Europe shares the view that more growth and jobs can only be achieved by enhancing the competitiveness of industry and related service sectors.
The cruise industry particularly welcomes the recognition of maritime transport as an “important long-term contributor to Europe’s economy”. The cruise industry alone generated almost €40 billion in output last year and sustaining more than 339, 000 jobs across Europe.
Robert Ashdown, Secretary General of CLIA Europe, commented:
“CLIA Europe strongly supports the priorities of the new Latvian EU Presidency. As a key part of the European maritime industry, we welcome the aim to secure the right international environment for maritime transport and promote all the initiatives facilitating growth and enhancing competitive European shipping.
“We also welcome the recognition of the economic dimension of the visa policy. We look forward to working with the Latvian Presidency on the Visa Code review, hoping that substantial progress will be achieved in the next six months.Europe’s position as the world’s number one tourist destination must not be taken for granted. A smarter visa policy would attract more tourists to Europe, leading to more trade, investment and jobs.”
The cruise industry is ready to play its part in achieving a more competitive Europe, and looks forward to working with the Latvian EU Presidency to help the maritime sector develop and prosper as a long-term contributor to Europe’s economy.
1. About CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner programs include the industry’s leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. For more information on CLIA Europe, visit www.cliaeurope.eu. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog
