The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the voice of the industry worldwide, announces the appointment of Marie-Caroline Laurent as CLIA's Managing Director for Europe, effective November 15, 2021.
Marie-Caroline is an expert in transport policy. For nearly a decade, she has held various senior positions at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), including Deputy Director for European Union Affairs. Previously, she worked in policy development for the Association of European Airlines and served as a parliamentary advisor in the European Parliament, as well as a senior policy officer at the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union.
Kelly Craighead, CLIA's President & CEO, commented: “I would like to thank Ukko Metsola for his leadership during a critical transition period in Europe, during which cruise lines have been working their way towards a full recovery.” She added: “I am delighted to welcome Marie-Caroline Laurent, who will draw on her valuable experience in European transport policy to demonstrate how the cruise industry is at the heart of responsible tourism and to showcase its value to the wider maritime sector.” “With her extensive experience as an interlocutor with European institutions, Marie-Caroline will be well-positioned to further develop CLIA's engagement in European policy,” she concluded.
For her part, Marie-Caroline Laurent says: “I am convinced of the positive impact of the transport and tourism industries on business and economic development in every European country.” She also points out: “Transport is one of the most innovative industries worldwide, and cruise ship construction is at the heart of the European economy; cruise companies are at the forefront of innovation for maritime sustainability and are well-positioned to help the European Union drive green growth.”.
Laurent concludes: “I look forward to working with cruise lines, our industry partners and policymakers to help drive European leadership in a truly sustainable transport and tourism industry in Europe.”.
With the aim of supporting this transition phase and ahead of his planned return to the Royal Caribbean Group, Ukko Metstola will remain as an advisor to the new CEO until the end of 2021.
