WASHINGTON, D.C.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that in 2015 it will consolidate its U.S. offices into a single location in Washington, D.C., and has also made a big hiring move by naming a former Meeting Professionals International top executive to a key position.
“With the globalization of CLIA, we have added new capabilities and expanded our resources in various parts of the world to support a growing cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA President and CEO. In the U.S., CLIA had previously always maintained two centers of operations. The Arlington, Virginia, office has focused on advocacy, technical and regulatory affairs, communications and organizational operations; while the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, office supported travel agent Members and Executive Partners.
“To better serve our Members, CLIA will bring all functions under one roof in Washington, DC,” Duffy said.
In addition, CLIA has hired Cindy D’Aoust as executive vice president, membership and operations. In this role, D’Aoust will be responsible for managing and expanding the functions previously based in Fort Lauderdale. D’Aoust comes to CLIA from MPI, where she served as Chief Operations Officer, and brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in membership organizations, including senior roles with Maritz Travel. D’Aoust will also oversee the consolidation of CLIA’s U.S. offices and have responsibility to fill the Vice President, Trade Relations position held most recently by Dwain Wall.
The CLIA Arlington office staff will relocate to a new office in Washington, DC in mid-January. Operations in the Ft. Lauderdale office will conclude in the Spring.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with its travel agency and travel agent members.
