Cruise industry merger to benefit travel agents
The merger of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) is expected to benefit travel agents, according to company officials.
Said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain (who also is ICCL chairman):
“We have decided to take the two organizations — each of which has been terrifically successful communicating to their constituencies — and become even more effective by combining them and speaking with one voice.”
Said CLIA Chairman Andy Stuart:
“The interest of travel agents was a critical factor for us in making this decision. We want to ensure that the merged organization offers service to travel agents and we’re convinced the merger offers greater value for them.”
Talks had been going on for sometime between the New York City-based CLIA and the Washington-headquartered ICCL.
CLIA has 10 cruise lines and 17,000 travel agents as members.
The merged group plans to move to a new headquarters in South Florida. The group will operate under the CLIA name.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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