Lardizabal and Harrell: New Co-Chairs of CLIA
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the appointment of two new Co-Chairs of the Trade Relations Committee (TRC) for 2026 and 2027: Michelle Lardizabal and Joshua Harrell.
CLIA, the leading authority of the global cruise community, selected Michelle Lardizabal, Sales Director at Azamara Cruises, and Joshua Harrell, Revenue Manager at WorldVia Travel Network.
The committee they will chair serves as a strategic advisory body, representing both cruise lines and North American travel sector stakeholders within CLIA. Its members include leaders from CLIA Global Cruise Line Members, Global River Marketing Affiliates, Premier Agency Members, and selected travel agencies.
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A 24-month term is planned, during which each Co-Chair will have a distinct role: one will represent the cruise line segment, while the other will represent the commercial sector, ensuring balanced leadership and broad representation across the industry.
Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer of Azamara Cruises, expressed her enthusiasm for assuming the role of Co-Chair of the Committee, stating that travel advisors are at the heart of their industry. They inspire travelers, drive demand, and help shape the future of cruising through their expertise and passion.
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The CLIA group focuses on promoting the cruise industry and supporting the success of travel advisors by setting priorities and creating synergies. Its members and partners include the most prestigious ocean and river cruise lines; a business community made up of leading ports, destinations, shipyards, and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of industry professionals specializing in cruise travel. The group’s central mission is to promote safe and sustainable cruising, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, including through technologically advanced systems for waste reduction—some operators are able to reuse up to 100% of the waste generated onboard by repurposing, recycling, and converting it into energy.
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Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA Vice President for Industry and Trade Relations, stated that Michelle and Joshua are widely respected leaders with deep experience supporting the travel agency distribution channel. Their insight, leadership, and dedication make them particularly well-suited to guide the TRC in fostering collaboration between cruise brands and the travel advisor network.
As Co-Chairs, Lardizabal and Harrell will help steer the committee’s work, including promoting collaboration between cruise lines and travel advisors, providing strategic input to programs and communications. They will also support CLIA in its ongoing efforts to strengthen member engagement, staying attentive to the opportunities and challenges that characterize the travel advisor relations landscape.
Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer of WorldVia Travel Network, also emphasized that CLIA’s leadership and training provide travel advisors with the best tools to deliver unforgettable cruise experiences to their clients.
The TRC Committee meets throughout the year through scheduled virtual meetings, in addition to a dedicated in-person session at the Cruise360 Premier Summit. This year, Cruise360 will take place from April 21 to 26, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It will be the largest industry event of the year organized by CLIA, bringing together travel industry professionals, representatives from cruise lines, ports and destinations, suppliers, and CLIA’s preferred partners.
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