Rotterdam, Netherlands, March 17, 2025. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), participated in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) meeting, CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, which brought together leaders and presidents of the world's leading cruise companies. Topics discussed included the decarbonization of the cruise industry and advances in innovation and technology to make the industry greener and more efficient.
The WTTC President and CEO highlighted the important role cruises play, especially in regions such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, also emphasizing the significant social benefits this represents.
“Cruise companies play a fundamental role in the travel and tourism sector worldwide. This is driven by their development in innovation and significant investment in new technologies and solutions that are increasingly environmentally responsible,” noted Julia Simpson.
At the event, which was attended by companies such as Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Group, MSC Cruises, and others, the President and CEO emphasized the growth of the tourism sector ahead of the global economy. In 2024 alone, the travel and tourism sector's contribution increased by more than 12% compared to the previous year, while the global economy grew by just 2.2%.
As part of her activities at CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, Julia Simpson participated in a panel with Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises; Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises; and Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises. It is worth noting that the meeting took place in conjunction with the appointment of Charles "Bud" Darr as the new President and CEO of CLIA.
Throughout the sessions, new practices for diversifying the sector to offer greater experiences in destinations were highlighted, as well as the need for regulations not to hinder the growth and development of this sector.