TUI Cruises CEO Richard J. Vogel will be participating in the launch of the German-Maltese Business Council, within the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry on 20 October.

Since the founding of the company in 2008, Mr. Vogel has been the Chief Executive of TUI Cruises GmbH, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company owns and currently operates two cruise ships, the 1,914-passenger vessel, Mein Schiff and the 1,886-passenger vessel, Mein Schiff 2. The company has signed an agreement with STX Finland for the delivery of a third ship in 2014, which will carry 2,500 passengers.

Mr Vogel began his career in the TUI Group in 2005 as the Head of Special Projects. Previously he was senior vice president for marketing and sales for the Aida brand, operated by the Seetours shipping line, a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation. From 1998 to 2004 Mr Vogel was a member of the managing board of the Deutscher Reiseburo und Reiseveranstalter Verband (DRV – the German Travel Association).

Commenting on the launch, GMBC Chairman Karl Aquilina said: “It is our goal to promote, facilitate and enhance business exchanges between Malta and Germany, by being the focal point for businesses, organisations and other stakeholders regarding German/Maltese business. We also intend to create a solid and viable network of individuals with a common interest in achieving this goal.

“Business councils provide the ideal forum to connect Maltese business people with international companies based in Malta, in order to share experiences, information and intelligence.”

Participation in the event is free for members of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. Interested participants may contact Ms Dorianne Bonanno on [email protected] for further details and registration.