The CLIA RiverView conference kicked off yesterday in Amsterdam and Lorraine and Sharon are on the ground meeting with agents and river cruise suppliers. And while there is trepidation over the war in the Middle East, the general consensus is that it is business as usual and to keep forging ahead.
Interestingly a number of suppliers mentioned an almost 50% reduction in bookings last week but that there was a slight lift over the weekend, with a sense that business will resume to normal pre Easter levels by the end of next week – once nothing major changes.
Opening the conference yesterday was Andy Harmer and the CLIA team, while later today Lucy Huxley will join the stage to lead the business sessions.
Morning sessions started with ‘New to Cruise’ ‘Tips to close a river cruise sale’ ‘Longhaul including the Nile’ and ‘Lesser known Rivers’ the key presentations of the day.
A busy afternoon of supplier trade sessions finished with APT Travel Marvel (always showing off the APT difference) by producing cocktails for the thirsty crowd!
Thanks to Vicky Billing, Director of Trade and Partnerships at Riveria Cruises, for hosting myself and Lorraine for dinner and an overnight onboard their ship the Geoffrey Chaucer last night.
And now it’s off to visit Emerald Luna, Riverside Debussy, Ama Serena, and TUI Maya before finally checking in to Viva Enjoy for night two of the conference.
Stay tuned for more information and pictures as up to 20 agents from Ireland join tomorrow for Avalons Closing Party hosted by Phil Shipman and of course our own Alan Sparling!
