CLIA to Host Innovation Expo and European Summit in Genoa

Photo source: CLIA.

Genoa, Italy will be host to the 2024 European Summit and the new CLIA Innovation Expo, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has recently announced.

Both events, co-organized by the Ligurian Region, Municipality of Genoa, the Ports of Genoa, and the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa, will be part of a week of activities during March 11-14, 2024 focusing on innovation, sustainability, and community.

More specifically, the CLIA Innovation Expo is a new forum for companies currently supplying, or interested in supplying, the cruise industry, with a focus on maritime technology, and hospitality.

Photo source: CLIA

The expo will also include an innovation hub where technology developers and suppliers across various categories will introduce and discuss new products and solutions for the industry.

“This is the first time that these events will take place, and Genoa, as a leading European cruise port and a center for shipbuilding and marine technology development, is a perfect match,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Global Chairman, CLIA, and Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises.

In addition, “A Taste of Cruise Pavilion” will include a culinary demonstration area and connect hotel, food, and beverage suppliers with cruise line decisionmakers in procurement and operations to explore new offerings.

CLIA Europe Director General Marie-Caroline Laurent.

The European Summit will build on the successful Summit in Genoa 2022 and Paris 2023, which brought together institutional representatives and stakeholders from across the supply chain to debate key policy issues and developments.

“The cruise industry is at the heart of Europe. These events will highlight how Europe is leading the way in cruise shipbuilding and what this means for the European economy. Europe is also setting the pace for sustainability and the cruise industry is using its innovation and expertise to help to deliver on Europe’s climate ambitions,” said CLIA Europe Director General Marie-Caroline Laurent.

CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually.