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Germany's transport minister discusses cruise issues in AIDA HQ visit

AIDA Cruises
Michael Ungerer (left) with Minister Alexander Dobrindt and the German MP, Eckhard Rehberg, in Rostock
Cruise industry trends, the increasing importance of cruising for the economy and jobs, and infrastructure development were key topics in Friday's meeting of Germany's transport minister and AIDA Cruises president Michael Ungerer at the line's Rostock headquarters.

Alexander Dobrindt, federal minister for transport and digital Infrastructure, also visited Rostock Port.

The cruise industry needs government support to enhance infrastructure and foster favorable business conditions, said Ungerer, who also chairs CLIA Germany. 'I am delighted we were able to exchange ideas with the German transport minister on those issues,’ he added.

Germany has posted a massive surge in ocean-going passengers in recent years, reaching 1,687,000 in 2013, a rise of 22% from 2011 and representing 26.5% of Europe’s total.