Kelly Craighead Named New President & CEO of Cruise Lines International Association
Kelly Craighead
The Global Executive Committee of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has recently named Kelly Craighead the organization’s new President & CEO, effective January 1st, 2019. Craighead will take over the position from Cindy D’Aoust, who announced her resignation earlier this year. Most recently, Craighead held the role as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel & Tourism in the U.S. Department of Commerce. In her new function, she will direct CLIA’s global team to continue to unify, represent, advocate and promote the interests of the organization’s members and the global cruise industry.
“I am extremely pleased that Kelly will be joining CLIA to support the global cruise industry during this golden age of cruising. Her extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industries combined with her leadership skills and passion for results, are second to none […],” said Arnold Donald, Global CLIA Chairman & President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & PLC cruise line enterprise.
Craighead is looking forward to her new challenge: “Demand for cruising is exhibiting strong growth, making the cruise industry a critical partner to localities, regions and nations around the world. I am excited to be joining such a strong and well-respected organization at an important time for the industry […],” commented Craighead.
Also, the demand for a versatile activity and entertainment offer onboard the cruise ships is increasing. Besides crazy golf installations and water slides, today’s cruise ship guests can also enjoy karting tracks, high-ropes courses and Virtual Reality applications. For an insight into the growing business opportunities for the leisure industry in the cruise ship sector read our special feature in EAP issue 3/18, to be continued in our upcoming Jan/Feb edition (EAP 1/19) … (eap)
