Smith named CLIA Chair

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has appointed local Royal Caribbean chief Gavin Smith as its new Chairman (TD breaking news), replacing the outgoing Sture Myrmell in the role (TD 20 May).

Smith is no stranger to the position, having served as CLIA Australasia Chairman from 2011 to 2015, and also enjoying a stint on the CLIA Europe Board from 2016 to 2019.

CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said that the appointment of Smith arrived at one of the most crucial periods in the cruise sector’s history, with his depth of experience a major asset in establishing a successful foundation for the future.

“Gavin Smith has been a wellknown and respected leader for our industry for several decades, having been a key player in the growth and evolution of cruising in Australasia and the South

Pacific,” Katz said.

“He will provide invaluable guidance for our organisation as we work to confront the unprecedented challenges ahead of us and rebuild confidence through the new health measures cruise lines are developing.”

Smith will head up a new Executive Committee, comprised of a formidable collection of industry leaders.

These include: Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises; Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line; Sarina Bratton, Ponant; Lynne Clarke, MSC Cruises; Steve Odell, Regent Seven Seas Cruises & Oceania Cruises; Andrew Millmore, Windstar Cruises & Virgin Voyages; as well as outgoing Chair, P&O Cruises and Carnival Australia’s Sture Myrmell.

Katz also paid tribute to Myrmell during CLIA’s AGM yesterday, describing him as a “big part” of the region’s success.