CLIA said one of its primary goals is to 'educate policy-makers and advocate for sensible legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate continued growth opportunities for the entire cruise industry.'
The DC-based association engages with policymakers year-round, and the Congressional Cruise Caucus is an important component of those advocacy efforts. CLIA members use this opportunity to educate lawmakers about cruising’s role in the broader travel community, its impact on the US economy and its role as a job creator.
'The economic benefits of cruise tourism reach all 50 states, and extend beyond our cruise line members to travel professionals, ports, destinations, manufacturing, agriculture and technology suppliers,' CLIA president and ceo Cindy D'Aoust said. 'The cruise industry continues to grow and we want to ensure that lawmakers are aware of our positive contributions and that they support our growth.'
According to CLIA, the cruise industry in 2014 contributed more than $46bn to the US economy and generated almost 375,000 American jobs. With half of global cruise passengers embarking from US ports, millions of passengers contribute billions of dollars to the local economies of port communities and beyond. CLIA projects 24.2m people will cruise globally in 2016.
