The biggest name in the world of cruise has been signed up to speak to delegates at this year’s World Travel Market.
In a rare public appearance, Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison will join a Travel Weekly session on the main stage on Tuesday, November 6 via video link from Miami.
Last year the cruise sector featured on WTM’s main stage for the first time, and Travel Weekly’s session featuring Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman Richard Fain was said to be one of the highlights.
In this year’s session, Arison will be joined live on stage by two key lieutenants: Carnival UK chief executive David Dingle and new Costa Cruises and Aida Cruises managing director Michael Thamm.
WTM comes at the end of a tumultuous year for the cruise sector and particularly Carnival’s Costa Cruises after Concordia ran aground in January, killing 32.
Simon Press, director at WTM organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions, said he expected the high calibre of speakers to be a popular draw.
He said: “The cruise sector is such a vital part of our industry that it was bound to be given a strong focus this year.
“It is particularly vital following the events this year that we not only focus on how it has fared in the immediate aftermath of the Costa Concordia tragedy, but also what the future brings.”
The session will be moderated by Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley. She said: “Micky is an incredibly sought-after speaker, who we see very rarely at travel conferences, so I’m thrilled we have been able to secure his appearance.”