The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has selected Michelle Lardizabal, the chief sales officer of Azamara Cruises, along with Joshua Harrell, the chief revenue officer of WorldVia Travel Network, to serve as co-chairs of the Association’s Trade Relations Committee (TRC).
The TRC acts as an advisory committee that represents both cruise companies and the travel industry within CLIA’s North American trade membership. This group works collaboratively on initiatives aimed at promoting the cruise sector while assisting travel advisors in achieving success. Members of the committee consist of executives from cruise lines, global river marketing affiliates, top agency representatives, and other chosen travel agency members.
Lardizabal and Harrell will hold simultaneous terms of 24 months, with one co-chair representing the cruise line sector and the other representing the trade segment, to ensure a balanced approach to leadership and comprehensive industry representation.
“The expertise and leadership of Michelle and Joshua are highly esteemed within the industry, particularly as they champion the travel agency distribution channel,” noted Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA’s vice president of industry and trade relations. “Their perspectives, dedication, and acumen position them perfectly to steer the TRC in fostering collaboration among cruise brands and the advisor network.”
In their roles as co-chairs, Lardizabal and Harrell will guide the committee’s initiatives as it provides counsel to CLIA on critical trade-oriented projects. This encompasses enhancing partnership efforts between cruise operators and travel advisors, supplying strategic feedback on CLIA’s programs and communications, and sharing insights on the opportunities and challenges influencing the advisor relationship ecosystem. They will additionally assist CLIA in its continued goal of strengthening member involvement and advancing professional development within its travel trade community.
“I am excited to take on the role of co-chair for CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee,” expressed Lardizabal. “Travel advisors represent the core of our industry. They motivate travelers, generate demand, and help shape the future of cruising with their knowledge and enthusiasm. I am eager to collaborate with Joshua and the vibrant voices represented within this committee to enhance the connection between cruise brands and the advisor community.”
“It is a privilege to act as co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee alongside the exceptional Michelle Lardizabal,” Harrell remarked. “CLIA’s educational resources and leadership empower travel advisors to stay linked to the cruise sector, equipping them with the necessary tools to create remarkable cruising experiences for their clientele. During my term and beyond, I am eager to contribute to amplifying CLIA’s influence on the advisor community and the cruise partners they support.”
The TRC convenes throughout the year, which includes an in-person meeting at Cruise360’s Premier Summit as well as scheduled virtual sessions.
Fonte: Travel Market Report
