Clia has called for the new maritime minister to be “open-minded, professional and genuinely interested” in the cruise sector.
Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer and Clia chair Ben Bouldin both praised outgoing maritime minister Robert Courts for his work during the pandemic.
As part of a ministerial reshuffle by new prime minister Liz Truss, Courts was moved on from his aviation and maritime role this week.
It is not yet known who will take over from Courts at the Deportment for Transport despite a number of new junior ministers being announced.
Asked what qualities Clia wanted from the incoming maritime minister, Harmer said: “Openness, professionalism and genuine interest in our industry. We look forward to the next person who take this role.”
On Courts, Harmer said: “Minister Courts was extremely supportive of our efforts. He was personally engaged with situation that the sector found itself in.
“One of his achievements was making the government work closer with the sector. I spoke to him on numerous occasions. I wish him well in the future.”
Harmer revealed that Courts was the only government minister to attend a Clia executive meeting. “This illustrates how valued he was [by Clia],” he added.
Bouldin said Courts should be “very proud” of his work with the help of his team at the DfT.
“They have genuinely played a huge role in the return of cruise in this country,” Bouldin said, adding: “He can be very proud of what he has achieved.
“We do not want to lose momentum that Robert built with us. Hopefully the pandemic has moved behind us and the future is carbon neutrality and various economic, social and governance topics.”
He added: “The value of the cruise industry is significant. This government is all about getting this country moving – we can play a role in that.”