Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland’s managing director, on how agents can supercharge their sales after a strong start to 2023.
"After such a strong start to the year for cruise agents, we’re keen to capitalise on this momentum and help maintain the levels of positive interest, enquiries and bookings we’ve seen.
"There are lots of ways that the trade can take advantage of the resources we provide at CLIA.
"The first is to sign up as a member, if you haven’t done so already, and then capitalise on the wealth of online resources at your fingertips. From learning modules to fam trip updates to the latest cruise news, there’s all the info you’ll need to help boost your sales.
"We’re adding to the site all the time, included recently launching our ‘Booking Guidelines’ page. It contains details of how agents can work with cruise lines to become an authorised seller, and make a booking or access availability and price. The page has info for nearly 30 of our member cruise lines, with more to come.
"Secondly, we host a number of events both online and in-person, many of which are free-of-charge. Our training webinars cover every type of cruise - including ocean, river, expedition and luxury - and are a quick and easy way of picking up the latest brand know-how.
"Meanwhile our in-person events continue to go from strength-to-strength, with both our recent RiverView conference and upcoming CLIA Conference both oversubscribed. These are fantastic for picking up the latest selling know-how, as well as experiencing ships first-hand.
"You can ensure you don’t miss out by keeping up to date through our website, which always contains the latest opportunities in the ‘events’ section.
"I want to finish by saying a huge ‘thank you’ to every agent selling cruise; you are doing an amazing job and this is reflected in the ongoing strong demand for a holiday-at sea or on the rivers. Our industry is back where we belong and it’s a privilege to have so many brilliant and dedicated people represent us."
