Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, has been appointed to head up Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for the next two years at what he described as “a highly critical juncture” for cruising.
He assumes the role of CLIA’s the Global Chairmanship with immediate effect.
The CLIA president Kelly Craighead today described Mr Vago as “a visionary leader within the global cruise community”.
“We will benefit tremendously from his ideas, insights, and direction as we look to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support the restart of the cruise industry internationally,” Mr Craighead said.
Mr Vago, who served as CEO of MSC Cruises from 2003 to 2013 and as chairman of CLIA Europe in 2014,: said: “This is a highly critical juncture for our industry globally.
“With over 200 sailings that have taken place since last summer in various markets around the world, all with strict measures in place to promote public health, we have proven that a return to cruising is possible.”
Mr Vago succeeds Adam Goldstein, who recently completed his second term as Global Chairman of CLIA.