WASHINGTON, DC — CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee (TRC) has announced two new appointments as part of its ongoing goal to serve Canadian and U.S. travel agencies and agents.
Alex Pinelo, Vice President, Sales at AmaWaterways, who previously held the role of TRC Vice-Chair, has assumed the voluntary role of chair following former TRC chair Camille Olivere’s conclusion of service and upcoming departure from Norwegian Cruise Line on June 30.
Nikki Upshaw, Senior Vice president, Sales at Oceania Cruises, has been appointed vice-chair.
Both Upshaw and Pinelo began their new roles on June 1, will serve the remainder of the current two-year term through Dec. 31, 2021.
“We are thrilled to have Alex and Nikki leading the CLIA Trade Relations Committee,” said Charles Sylvia, ECC, Vice President, Industry and Trade Relations, CLIA. “Their longstanding commitment to the travel agency community is unwavering and they offer a diverse perspective as ocean and river cruising leaders.”
Pinelo added: I am proud to be working along with Nikki Upshaw and the great leadership at CLIA as we join forces with travel partners to spread a unified message of encouragement and education in support of this important recovery phase of the cruise industry and beyond.”
Upshaw, who said she’s “thrilled and honoured” to serve as vice-chair, said: “Having spent my entire career in cruise and luxury travel, it’s of great personal importance to me to support our travel partners who are the cornerstone of our industry. Together we will rise to the challenges facing us to further strengthen our relationships and the industry as a whole.”
CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee is a steering committee in North America comprised of CLIA Global Cruise Line Member trade sales and marketing leaders. Every CLIA Global Cruise Line Member is represented on the TRC roster and each is entitled to one seat on the committee for its designated representative.
The TRC received regular updates from CLIA on industry affairs and North America Travel Trade Membership and Professional Development matters. The TRC provides counsel and support of progress and creates task forces as it deems appropriate.
