News Release
FOR RELEASE - February 19, 2009
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-684-5700

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

Carnival Corporation Senior Executive Honored With AAPA's 2009 Cruise Award

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), representing seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere, this week at its annual Cruise Seminar in Mazatlán, México, presented Tom Dow, vice president of public affairs for Carnival Corporation and PLC, with the association's prestigious Cruise Award.   

"In terms of trade and tourism, seaports are among the most vital assets to our nation's economy, delivering prosperity in the form of millions of jobs in the freight and cruise services sectors, while generating billions of dollars in tax revenues," said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO.  "Because of his many contributions to the seaports industry, including a number of environmental achievements and success in raising money for education, enrichment and community service groups, we're pleased to honor Tom Dow as AAPA's third Cruise Award recipient."

Previous awardees include Carnival Corporation's founder and former chairman, the late Ted Arison (2006), and the Québec Port Authority's president and chief executive, Ross Gaudreault (2008). 

"I've had the opportunity to work with Tom Dow on several legislative and other initiatives and have found him to possess integrity, honesty, straightforwardness and be very knowledgeable of the industry he serves," said Steve Cernak, port director for the Port of Galveston, Texas, and chair of AAPA's Cruise Committee.

Peter Dailey, maritime director for the Port of San Francisco and the Cruise Committee's vice chair, also praised Mr. Dow, describing him as "intelligent, friendly, able to explain complicated issues clearly, generous with his time to assist other ports, and a most effective advocate for the cruise industry."

Mr. Dailey nominated Mr. Dow to become AAPA's 2009 Cruise Award recipient.