Costa's Thamm takes on Asia oversight for Carnival Corp.

Carnival is 'excited to participate in the boom in Asia, and particularly in China, of surging consumer demand from a fast-growing economy. This is also in line with the stated objective of the Chinese government shifting from an investment-based to a consumer-led economy,' said Arnold Donald, president and ceo, Carnival Corp. & plc. 'We are committed to accelerating the advancement of the overall cruise industry in China, consistent with the current five-year plan.'

Donald added that Thamm will build on the 'existing strong momentum and Carnival Corporation's leading position through his proven leadership skills and exceptional industry expertise.'

Thamm continues to lead the Costa Group. Part of his added responsibilities for Asia include promoting strategic cooperation with the Chinese government and local business partners, and building a long-term, sustainable Chinese cruise industry.

'We will work with partners across the region to build and develop a robust ecosystem for the sustained development of China's cruise industry, helping China to be a front-runner in the global cruise market,' Thamm said.

In late 2015, Carnival partnered with China State Shipbuilding Corp. and CIC Capital Corp. to form a joint venture in China. It intends to launch a multi-ship, domestic-owned cruise brand using vessels purchased from Carnival Corp.'s existing fleet and homeported in China.

The joint venture would then add China-built ships to further accelerate growth in the Chinese cruise market, which is expected to eventually become the world's largest cruise market.

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