Raffaele D'Ambrosio, Managing Director of Costa Cruises in Spain and Portugal, has been appointed President of CLIA Spain (Cruise Lines International Association), the world's largest cruise industry association. Raffaele D'Ambrosio succeeds Belén Wangüemert, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International in Spain and France, following the completion of her three-year term.
The new President joined Costa Crociere in 2008, holding various positions of responsibility, including Business Excellence Director, until 2012. He then served as Director of Strategic Projects in the CEO's office until March 2015. At that time, he moved to France as Managing Director, and since September 2016, he has held the position of Managing Director for Spain and Portugal. Previously, he worked for over ten years at the consulting firm Accenture.
“Spain is a strategic country for the development of the cruise industry, both because of the importance of its destinations and its strong growth prospects as a source market. It is an honor to assume this position to continue promoting this fantastic vacation option and to highlight the important contribution the sector makes in Spain. I am convinced that, with the combined efforts of all stakeholders in the industry and the support of institutions, CLIA Spain will be able to continue its excellent work in driving the sustainable growth of this important economic sector,” D'Ambrosio emphasized.
In his new role, effective from this January, Raffaele D'Ambrosio will work closely with CLIA Spain's National Director, Alfredo Serrano, to represent the interests of the industry and to launch the various projects planned by the association.
All CLIA members and directors have expressed their gratitude for the work carried out by Belén Wangüemert as President and Emiliano González, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain, as Vice President during these years, their special dedication as well as their firm commitment to defend and promote the interests of the industry.
CLIA members represented in Spain include Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Pullmantur, Norwegian Cruise Lines, CroisiEurope, Disney Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Windstar Cruises. In addition, the association has 26 partners in Spain, including ports and destinations, industry suppliers, tour operators, and service companies.
