Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer has received his OBE for his services to the maritime sector.
He was presented with his medal by Princess Anne at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
“It was nice having the Princess Royal present because she has a long history supporting the maritime industry so it was a good match,” he told Travel Weekly. “I had a really nice chat with her about the importance of maritime and the importance of cruise which was lovely.
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“It was an amazing day and a huge honour.”
Harmer went on to say he sees the OBE as an award not just for himself, but for the whole cruise industry.
“It was lovely for me to get to accept it, but in many ways I was accepting it on behalf of the cruise industry because in the last few years we’ve all come together and worked hard,” he said.
“The industry has always worked together when times are good but in recent times we’ve really pulled together when things got challenging.
“I think of the award as a much broader recognition for the work the industry did during the pandemic and I hope we will be remembered as the industry that did the right thing and came together. Hopefully we’re able to capitalise on that and build a successful future.”