UNWTO recognizes Vago, Craighead as sustainable tourism ambassadors

Craighead is president and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association, and Vago is executive chairman, MSC Cruises, and chairman, CLIA Global.

Remarks to Global Youth Tourism Summit

In remarks to 200 delegates, ministers and officials from 60 nations gathered at the MSC Sporting Club for the third night of the UNWTO Global Youth Tourism Summit, Craighead emphasized the cruise industry’s efforts to advance environmental sustainability, destination stewardship, social welfare and economic impact, as well as gender equality.

'The cultural exchange between people that happens daily in the tourism sector is the backbone of an economic and social juggernaut that drives billions of dollars in revenue and a deepening understanding and appreciation of our similarities and differences. I accept the challenge attendant with the UNWTO ambassadorship to reach beyond our comfort zones to educate, activate and mobilize tourism stakeholders worldwide,' Craighead said.

Future captains, designers, scientists, engineeers

'The youth delegates of the GYTS are the future ship captains, designers, scientists and engineers whose vision, skill and passion will be an integral part of helping cruise achieve the ambitious goals for sustainable development we have set,' she continued.

Path to net-zero carbon cruising

'As part of our industry’s support in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, cruise lines are investing heavily on their path to achieve net-zero carbon cruising, including in new vessels with improved environmental performance, more sustainable propulsion technologies, alternative fuel choices, advanced wastewater treatment systems, shoreside power connectivity and exhaust gas cleaning systems, among many other initiatives.

'Working with our partners, such as destinations, ports, shipbuilders, hospitality leaders and other business and services providers,' Craighead said, 'we aspire to both minimize the environmental impacts of travel and harness its power to contribute to conservation efforts, connect people and places, and create positive travel experiences that inspire lifelong cruisers and generations of new to cruise travelers to sail responsibly.'

Ambassadors are leaders in their fields

UNWTO’s ambassadors are drawn from the worlds of sport, entertainment, business, gastronomy and beyond. All leaders in their respective fields, they volunteer their time and voices to amplify the message of tourism for sustainable development and equal opportunity.

As sustainable tourism ambassadors, Vago and Craighead join business leaders including former CLIA Chairman Adam Goldstein, 2020 ambassador, among many others.