An Italian is now leading the international association for cruise lines. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive chairman for MSC Cruises, has been nominated global chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Vago will become chairman with immediate effect for a 2-year mandate.

In the name of the entire CLIA community, including our staff and associates – noted the chairperson and CEO of the CLIA, Kelly Craighead – I would like to welcome Pierfrancesco Vago and congratulate him on his nomination as global chairman of the CLIA. Pierfrancesco Vago is a visionary leader within the global cruise lines community. We will benefit enormously from his ideas, advice and counsel, in a period in which we are trying to overcome the impact of the pandemic and support the relaunch of the cruising industry internationally and in the United States in particular.

Vago was the CEO for MSC Cruises from 2003 to 2013, years in which the company registered a growth of over 80%. As executive director, Vago continues to support the growth of MSC Cruises, reinforcing its position as one of the major players of the international cruise industry. Vago will be the first European and first Italian to cover the role of global chairman for the CLIA, after being the European Chairman in 2014.

“This is a critical moment – declared the new chairman – for our industry at a global level. I’m honoured and grateful for the support and trust of my colleagues, we are working on being able to work again and create unforgettable experiences for our important guests, in addition to creating a positive economic impact and work opportunities benefiting millions of people from around the world, who work together with our industry in one way or another.”

“Thanks to the over 200 cruises – added Pierfrancesco Vago – which took place from last summer in various markets around the world, during which strict measures were applied to protect public health, we demonstrated that cruising will be possible once again. I can’t wait to work, thanks to CLIA’s leadership and our partners, on continuing the path taken and contribute to guaranteeing a serene future for all those depending on us.”

Pierfrancesco Vago is taking on the role of global chairman for the CLIA after an unprecedented year in the history of the cruising industry, and of the entire travel industry in general. Looking to the future, the CLIA and its members are concentrating on promoting the relaunch of cruises around the world, as well as working in their efforts for environmental sustainability.

Vago follows on after Adam Goldstein, who recently completed his second mandate as global chairman for the CLIA. Adam Goldstein will continue working in his job and is involved in a number of tech start-ups and non-profit organisations.

“It has been an honour working for the CLIA as global chairman over the last two years – said Goldstein – and I am proud of everything we have done together, even though we had to face unprecedented challenges. I have known Pierfrancesco Vago for many years and am lucky to consider him my friend. I wish him, the CLIA, and the entire industry, great success. I truly believe that the best is yet to come for this very special industry.”

Giuseppe Orrù