CLIA UK & Ireland chair Ben Bouldin – Royal Caribbean International EMEA vice-president  looks ahead to the key priorities in his new role and says he will be “laser-focused on providing support to the industry”.

Over the last year, the cruise industry has experienced unprecedented challenges that no one could have predicted. However, by innovating and adapting, we have shown how strong we are.

It is now more important than ever that we continue to drive the industry forward as we begin cruising again in the UK and globally. In my new role, I am excited to work alongside the CLIA team to support its membership of almost 4,000 travel agencies and over 50 cruise lines as we continue our return to sailing across the globe.

I am delighted to be carrying on the great work that has been done by the CLIA executive committee and CLIA steering groups during this volatile period. The hugely collaborative effort with government departments has enabled us to get back to cruising domestically and welcome guest back this summer.

My challenge is to continue this great work and drive us forward to the resumption of international cruising, as we continue to work with governments and authorities. I will be laser-focused on providing support to the industry where it is needed.

Exciting times to come

Since the start of last year, CLIA has had to respond to the issues the pandemic has brought up and offer support accordingly and this will continue to be the case during my tenure as chair. I will also be bringing my experience of the cruise industry and role at Royal Caribbean to build on the strategy to steer CLIA over the next 12 and 24 months.

Despite the difficult recent period, now is a very exciting time for cruise. The industry thrives on the fantastic destinations it goes to, so getting back to cruising internationally is crucial. CLIA is working with the appropriate organisations, ports and authorities to ensure this is done correctly, ensuring cruisers can return to their favourite destinations as soon as possible.

The industry already has great confidence in itself and we need to build the confidence of authorities around the world by highlighting how effectively we have implemented health and safety measures to tackle Covid-19. I am confidence we will be able to do that.

While these conversations continue, guests in the UK are being treated to more than 20 ships sailing domestically this summer. Some of the world’s greatest ships will be offering truly unique experiences, allowing us to attract new cruisers to the sector while also catering to our loyalists.

Looking forward, the industry continues to innovate with some incredible ships to be launched next year. These new ships, coupled with emerging destinations, will provide guests with an even greater experience. I am confident there will be high demand for cruises in 2022 and beyond.