CLIA and the Marine Hotel Association signed a memorandum of
understanding that they will work toward a merger.
The collaboration would bring MHA into CLIA and offer one
cohesive membership to cruise lines and suppliers within the cruise industry,
utilizing MHA's experience and resources within the marine hotel segment, they
said.
Members of MHA are mostly suppliers such as beverage
companies, linen suppliers, food purveyors and the like. It is the only trade
association fully dedicated to marine hotel operations.
"MHA has proven themselves to be a key player within
the cruise industry, and I look forward to building this new relationship to
offer greater value to our joint members," said Cindy D'Aoust, CLIA's
president and CEO. "As both organizations' mission, has evolved over the
years, coming together to work as one is a natural fit."
Founded in 1985, MHA has about 350 members.