Kerry Anastassiadis, CEO, Celestyal Cruises
Further dialogue among stakeholders needed to overcome hurdles to growth
Brussels, 24 April 2015 – CLIA Europe, the association representing the cruise industry in Europe, is represented at this year’s Adriatic Sea Forum, taking place on 23-24 April in Dubrovnik.
Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises and Member of CLIA Europe’s Executive Committee, participated in the event’s Closing Plenary Session along with political and industry leaders from the region. Mr Anastassiadis used this opportunity to share his views and vision for the cruise industry and the Adriatic region. Among other important topics he highlighted the importance of cruising to the Adriatic region. He said:
“We have noticed a terrific increase in the number of cruises reaching the Adriatic over the last 10 years. The cruise industry is leading the development of the entire maritime tourism sector in the region, attracting and stimulating investment in ports and waterfronts, and creating new jobs and businesses.”
Mr Anastassiadis equally stressed the industry’s growth potential in the region, highlighting some of the challenges and existing barriers that need to be overcome. These include developing new infrastructure; improving connectivity; deploying adequate port reception facilities; promoting local and less known attractions and sights; supporting the upgrade of smaller ports; harmonising European environmental legislation; and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders to unlock the potential of cruising in the region.
Mr Anastassiadis also said: “Fostering dialogue among the different parties involved in the development of maritime tourism is a key step to overcome the hurdles to growth, in the Adriatic and beyond. This is why we welcome the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region adopted last year. The focus should now be on coming up with concrete measures to overcome the hurdles to cruise tourism’s growth if Europe is to retain its position as the world’s number one tourism destination.”
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2015, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA’s mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as promote the cruise travel experience. Members are committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry and are comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and other cruise industry partners, including ports, destinations, ship developers, suppliers, business services and travel operators. For more information, visitwww.cruising.org, www.cruiseforward.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on the CLIA Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
*Kyriakos ( Kerry ) Anastassiadis is the CEO of Celestyal Cruises and also a member of the Executive Committee of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Europe. Prior to joining Louis Cruises, Kerry distinguished himself as General Manager, CEO and President at renowned corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, Procter & Gamble, Polaroid and Aujan Industries. With Greek and English being his mother tongues, Mr. Anastassiadis is also fluent in French, Italian and Portuguese. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Southern Africa, Kerry studied Commerce at the University of Witwatersrand and obtained a postgraduate title in Market Research and Advertising.
