Duffy Named President of CLIA

Christine Duffy will take over as president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Feb. 1, according to a Thursday morning release from the group.

Duffy, who most recently worked as the president and CEO of Maritz Travel, replaces Terry Dale, who was recently named president of USTOA. Duffy, through a representative, declined an interview Thursday morning, citing her ongoing duties at Maritz.

“The cruise industry is extraordinarily fortunate to have Christine Duffy become the next president of CLIA. She has demonstrated exceptional ability to lead and is extremely well-known and admired throughout the travel industry," said Howard S. Frank, vice chairman of the board and chief operating officer of Carnival Corporation & plc and chairman of CLIA’s executive committee. "She also has thorough knowledge of how travel, and cruises, are marketed and sold through the agency distribution system, and a firm grasp of the issues facing the industry."

Duffy led the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector for Maritz and managed more than $700 million in client programs as the company's top executive. She was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the 25 most influential businesswomen and received honors from other publications, such as Corporate Meetings and Incentives and Meetings News Magazine.

“The cruise industry has a remarkable record of growth and success, and tremendous potential for the future," Duffy said in a release. "Without a doubt, this industry’s bold, visionary leaders have created the most exciting, innovative and value-added vacation experiences available to consumers today, whether they are singles, couples, families, multigenerational and social groups, or shipboard meetings and incentives."

Duffy will work out of CLIA's Washington, D.C., office and also from its post in Fort Lauderdale.