NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, announces the highly-anticipated lineup of the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote, in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Moderated by BBC World News’ broadcast journalist Lucy Hockings, the keynote event will feature a conversation with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as he talks about the future of sustainable tourism, followed by a panel discussion with leaders from the world’s four largest cruise lines.
Panelists will include:
- Frank Del Rio, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
- Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc
- Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
- Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises
“The cruise industry has an incredible impact on the global economy and drives hospitality trends across many demographics,” said Hockings. “As both a journalist and consumer, I look forward to learning from the leaders who are reimagining the industry and steering it into the future.”
The keynote event will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 9 April 2019. Moderator Hockings will drive the conversation for the panel of top cruise executives. From sustainability and innovation to converting new cruisers and environmental initiatives, the thoughtfully curated panel of experts will offer indispensable forecasting for the state of the industry. The discussion will also cover emerging markets and the future outlook on China as well as the rise of expedition cruising and more.
“It is an extraordinary time in the cruise industry. Technologically advanced ships are setting sail for the first time, disruptive brands are changing the marketplace and passengers have more choices than ever before – and Seatrade Cruise Global brings it all together as the worldwide hub of cruising innovation,” said Chiara Giorgi, Brand Director for Seatrade Cruise Global. “The conference’s preeminent event, the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote, will once again bring industry leaders and visionaries together to share invaluable insight on today’s transforming seascape.”
Marking its 35th year, Seatrade Cruise Global will make its return to Miami at the newly renovated Miami Beach Convention Center 8-11 April 2019. Seatrade Cruise Global 2019’s Early Bird pricing is available through 15 February 2019. Attendees can register by visiting: www.seatradecruiseglobal.com/register.
Press registration is open to journalists intending to report on the convention’s exhibition and conference sessions. Once members of the media complete the registration form, convention organizers will review and approve press credentials prior to issuing a complimentary pass.
Editor’s Note: 2018 State of the Global Cruise Industry images
About Seatrade Cruise Global
Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 is taking place 8-11 April 2019 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The exhibition is the leading annual global b2b event for the cruise industry. Bringing together buyers and suppliers for a four-day conference and three-day exhibition, the gathering draws more than 11,000 registered attendees, over 700 exhibiting companies from 113 countries and more than 300 international journalists to become the cruise industry’s epicenter of ideas, products and services. A who’s who of the industry participate in a comprehensive panel of discussions featuring experts, leaders and thought-makers including the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote with the chief executives of the world’s largest cruise companies. Seatrade is organized by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.ubm.com and www.informa.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mike Hicks / Elsbeth Pratt
Lou Hammond Group
561-655-3836 / 843-647-6395
michaelh@louhammond.com / elsbethp@louhammond.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2a0d7db-06b7-4a27-a76f-194085dfbb08