BRUSSELS, January 30, 2019 – The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has appointed Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group and Carnival Asia, as CLIA Europe Chairman, effective this month. Michael Thamm succeeds David Dingle, President of Carnival UK, who has served as CLIA Europe Interim Chairman since the summer of 2018.
“I am grateful for my election as President of CLIA Europe and honored by the trust the industry has placed in me at this crucial time for the growth of our business,” said Thamm. “Under my leadership, CLIA Europe will strengthen its commitment to and constructive dialogue with our stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges we face and to further develop the cruise industry in Europe. Our goal is to grow together and create a more sustainable future, while continuing to offer outstanding holiday opportunities at sea and unique experiences for our passengers.”.
In his new role, Thamm will work with the CLIA Europe General Assembly and CLIA teams across the continent to continue promoting the common interests of cruise operators in Europe, as well as 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 Dingle for his leadership of the CLIA Europe General Assembly over the past few months. It has been a pleasure working with him. I am delighted to welcome Michael Thamm as the new President of CLIA Europe; I am sure that working alongside him will be very exciting and dynamic for the European cruise industry.”
The global cruise industry continues to grow and expand to new destinations, while Europe remains an attractive platform for cruises. “We welcome Michael Thamm’s leadership as Chairman of CLIA Europe and appreciate his continued support for the cruise industry, which continues to contribute significantly to the European economy in the most efficient and sustainable way. His passion and commitment will benefit the organization and guide CLIA Europe’s ongoing work with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders,” commented Kelly Craighead, Chairman and CEO of CLIA.
Michael Thamm is a cruise industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Since 1993, he has been a key player in developing the German cruise market, positioning AIDA Cruises as a market leader. He served as Chairman of AIDA Cruises from 2004 to 2012, during which time he launched a new shipbuilding program that expanded the fleet by one ship annually between 2007 and 2013. In 2012, Thamm was appointed CEO of the Costa Group to lead the global business, which includes Costa Crociere, AIDA Cruises, and Carnival Maritime. In addition to this role, in January 2017, he was appointed CEO of Carnival Asia to oversee operations in that region.
The General Assembly endorsed the CLIA Europe Executive Committee: David Dingle, President of Carnival UK; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive President of MSC Cruises; Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President International of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises; Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, President of Silversea Cruises; and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.
Europe is the world's second largest cruise market, both in terms of origin (7 million passengers) and destination (6.5 million passengers embarked). The cruise market contributed almost €48 billion to the European economy in 2017 and employed 400,000 people.
