What part does CLIA play in the cruise industry for you ? Does your personal agent have a CLIA certification ? And CLIA reports industry contribution to the US economy

From CLIA’s site:

Cruise Lines International Association is the world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. CLIA is composed of 26 of the major cruise lines serving North America and is an organization that operates pursuant to an agreement filed with the Federal Maritime Commission under the Shipping Act of 1984 and serves as a non-governmental consultative organization to the International Maritime Organization, an agency of the United Nations.


The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization in terms of cruise line, industry suppliers, and travel agency membership. CLIA represents the interests of member cruise lines, 100 Executive Partners and more than 14,000 Travel agencies. CLIA participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA's Executive Partner program includes strategic relationships between key cruise industry suppliers and organizations, cruise lines, ports and shipyards and provides interaction with governmental agencies such as Homeland Security, EPA, CBP, US Coast Guard, and the FBI.


CLIA was formed in 1975 in response to a need for an association to promote the special benefits of cruising and in 2006 merged with the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), a sister entity created in 1990 dedicated to participating in the regulatory and policy development process of the cruise industry. CLIA's mission is to promote policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment; educate and train its travel agent members; and promote and explain the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience.


CLIA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safety, public health, environmental responsibility, security, emergency medical response and crew care, passenger protection and supportive legislative initiatives.

CLIA's members consistently strive for:

A safe, healthy, secure shipboard environment for both passengers and crew.

Minimal environmental impact of their vessel operations on the ocean, marine life and destinations.

Adherence to regulatory initiatives, and leading the effort to improve maritime policies and procedures.

A regulatory environment that will foster the continued growth of the industry.

A safe, reliable, affordable and enjoyable cruise experience.


View more:  http://www.cruising.org/regulatory/industry-welcome

A recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) tells us that in the United States alone, 10.4 million people took cruise vacations on CLIA member lines in 2011, contributing over $40 billion to the US economy. In 2010, the spending generated 330,000 jobs paying $15.2 billion in wages to American workers. And 10 new ships are on order for 2013-2015.

CLIA's public relations and promotional efforts urge consumers to seek advice from certified CLIA agents. With Certification, you will gain a business advantage and your clients will be assured that they are working with a Certified Cruise Counsellor.


Do you know if your personal travel/cruise agent has their CLIA certification ?