The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA’s) has re-affirmed its non-profit status to Cruise Industry News (CIN), dispelling industry rumors.

“CLIA has long been registered with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) as a 501(c)6 organization, which is the same designation as most trade associations, chambers of commerce, and similar. We remain a 501(c)6 and do not anticipate a change in that status,” said CLIA in a statement sent to CIN.

Tax filings obtained by CIN from the Internal Revenue Service for 2014 tax year show a major increase in revenue. CLIA did not provide the documents, despite requests.

Total revenue for CLIA rose to $25,952,361 in 2014, up from $16,929,526 in 2013. Revenue from membership dues was reported at $22,149,651.

Expenses were listed at $24,623,840 compared to $17,182,473 in 2013.

Lobbying expenses were listed at just under $1.2 million. Advertising and promotion was listed at $1,554,620, and the group spent $916,698 on travel and another $2,433,233 on meetings, conferences and conventions.

Total assets were listed at $14,877,989 at the end of the year, including $9,873,521 in savings and temporary cash investments.

Key employee compensation also rose for the 2014 tax year.

Christine Duffy, president and CEO at the time, made a base salary of $1,081,489 in addition to a bonus of $400,000, and along with other benefits, had her total reported at $1,757,235. In addition, the CEO received “first class travel provided as stated in the CEO’s employment agreement.”

Michael McGarry, listed as a senior VP, made a base salary of $274,434, with a total package listed at $321,813, making him the second highest paid executive at the group, but far behind the CEO.

Among the five highest compensated independent contractors listed were:

Alcalde & Fay – Consulting: $1,435,490

High Lantern Group – Consulting: $651,400

Kaye Rose & Partners, LLP – Legal: $533,066

Federal Policy Group – Consulting: $315,000

Business Research and Economics – Consulting: $274,200

Alcalde & Fay’s website notes that it is “recognized as one of the top 10 most influential lobbying firms in the country.”

“Alcalde and Fay provides government relations consulting on the state and federal levels,” said CLIA, in a prepared statement.