The association has confirmed details of its largest-ever training, event, and resource offering.
Cruise Lines International Association is backing agents with its biggest-ever specialist cruise programme.
Several initiatives aim to engage agents and showcase the river, expedition and ultra-luxury sectors.
The first component of the specialist programme includes a series of webinars in June, covering river cruising (European rivers on June 22nd and Worldwide rivers on June 23rd) and expedition cruising (Antarctica on June 28th, Arctic on June 29th and Galapagos on June 30th). Webinars kick off at 9:30am on their respective dates and are arranged in partnership with the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (ATAS).
Later in the summer, agents will be able to register for the second round of webinars, covering ultra-luxury (September 21st), yacht and sail (September 22nd), expedition (October 26th) and selling expedition cruises (October 27th).
From October 6th to 8th, 2023, agents are invited to the 'CLIA Destination Residential' in Porto, in partnership with Visit Porto & the North. Delegates will step aboard Norwegian Prima for the duration of the residential, with the chance to visit additional ships including Seabourn Ovation. The residential will host destination experts, a trade fair, welcome dinner, and local tours and excursions in Porto. Registration will open in June.
A luxury- and expedition-themed residential will take place from July 6th to 7th, 2023, with business sessions, networking, an evening dinner and overnight accommodation.
CLIA is also set to unveil a tailor-made LinkedIn group, inviting agents to stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, insights, and news from the industry, with exclusive contributions from the association's specialist operators.
As part of the upcoming CLIA Regional Days, members will be able to register for two ultra-luxury ship tours: Seabourn Quest (August 1st, Dover) and Crystal Serenity (August 22nd, Southampton). Limited places for the tour, lunch, and presentation events will open shortly.
Expedition-themed dinners will take place in London (October 16th) and Manchester (October 18th), with presentations from sector experts.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland's managing director, looked ahead to the programme: “The specialist cruise sector is growing rapidly, so our comprehensive programme is designed to help agents take advantage of this demand by boosting both their understanding and selling expertise. We’ve ensured there are a wealth of options available, to enable the trade to pick and choose the opportunities that suit them best."
