Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, representing the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations. In a move to solidify that reputation and advance awareness of the good work cruise lines and associated organizations do, CLIA rolled out a new program this week, aimed to do just that.
Cruise Forward is a new industry-wide communications initiative that promises to promote awareness of cruising’s wide-ranging contributions and engage stakeholders across the global cruise industry.
“Those closest to our industry know how our economic impact extends far beyond port communities, they see the value of cultural exchange and the volunteerism that happens every day from passengers, crew and employees, our support of community and environmental programs, and they know the ongoing commitment of our industry to safety,” said Christine Duffy, President and CEO of CLIA.
The global cruise industry offers more than a great travel and entertainment experience. Cruise lines bring economic development, cultural exchange, support of community and environmental programs and initiatives wherever they sail. Along with them comes a commitment to preserving and protecting the communities and waterways they do business in.
Cruise Forward highlights several key elements of what cruise lines bring when they come to town:
- Delivering significant economic benefits: The cruise industry generated nearly $100 billion in economic impact and more than 753,000 jobs worldwide in 2011.
- Supporting community organizations: Whether providing financial support to local charities, protecting the cultural heritage of port communities, or involving employees and guests in volunteer opportunities, cruising makes a difference in hundreds of ports across the globe.
- Safeguarding the oceans and the environment: Cruise lines are actively working to reduce the overall environmental impact of cruising and preserve and protect our pristine oceans, beaches and ports.
- Fostering a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment: The global cruise industry is committed to undertaking initiatives that provide passengers one of the safest, affordable, and enjoyable vacation experiences available today.
“We must do more to share these stories and ‘Cruise Forward’ will help us do just that and also increase public awareness regarding the industry’s extensive commitment to supporting community partnerships, safeguarding the environment and delivering wide-ranging economic benefits worldwide," added Duffy.
Cruise Forward will serve as a global platform for representatives from the cruise industry to engage industry stakeholders – customers, employees, business partners, port communities, policymakers and the media – across social media and at industry and community events to foster a global discussion about the benefits that cruising brings to individuals and to society.
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