Plaudits have poured in for Andy Harmer after he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The Clia UK & Ireland managing director was given the accolade for services to the maritime sector, after playing a pivotal role in the restart of cruising during the pandemic.
Industry figures praised Harmer’s “tireless” work. Ben Bouldin, Clia UK & Ireland chair and Royal Caribbean International EMEA vice‑president, said: “Andy has been an incredible force in helping steer and support our industry, especially over the last two years.
“His passion and resolve in navigating the return to service of the cruise industry has been integral to getting us where we are today.
More: Clia’s Andy Harmer awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours
“I know I’m not alone in thanking Andy for his tireless work.”
Antonio Paradiso, UK boss of MSC Cruises, called Harmer “a credit” to Clia and the wider sector.
He said: “All cruise lines are grateful to Andy for the outstanding support he has given throughout the pandemic. It’s great to see the work he has done has been rewarded.”
Clia chief executive Kelly Craighead said: “During the pandemic, Andy’s tireless commitment, combined with his collaborative and positive approach, set a fantastic example, and showed our industry at its best.”
Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises vice-president and managing director, EMEA, tweeted: “So well deserved Mr Harmer OBE. Thank you for all you have done for the industry.”
Harmer thanked supporters for their “overwhelming” messages, adding: “This is an honour shared with the whole cruise community who go above and beyond every day. I can’t think of a better industry to be associated with.”
Last month, maritime minister Robert Courts thanked Clia and the cruise sector for its “resilience” and “outstanding work” at the trade association’s annual conference.
He said: “It’s down to your tireless efforts that the cruise sector continues to be a key contributor to the UK economy.”
Former Maritime UK chair Harry Theochari also received an OBE for services to the maritime sector.
Other industry figures to receive honours included former VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe and Nick de Bois, chair of the VisitEngland advisory board, who were both awarded CBEs.
More: Clia’s Andy Harmer awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Clia expects all 289 of members’ ships to resume sailing by summer [January 22]
Cruise restart protocols to go ‘way beyond’ other sectors [July 20]