Industry group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has confirmed the launch of its largest programme of training, events and resources for the specialist cruise segment.
A number of initiatives have been launched for agents to engage and learn more about the river, expedition and ultra-luxury sectors.
They comprise:
* A series of free webinars in June, covering river and expedition cruise destinations around the world. The webinars will take place from 9.30am and are available to book now. They are:
– River cruising – European rivers, June 22
– River cruising – Worldwide rivers, June 23
– Expedition cruising – Antarctica, June 28
– Expedition cruising – Arctic, June 29
– Expedition cruising – Galapagos, June 30
The expedition sessions are being arranged in partnership with the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (ATAS).
* In addition, several further webinars will be arranged later in the year. Registration will open in the summer:
– Ultra-luxury cruising webinar, September 21
– Yacht and sail cruising webinar, September 22
– Expedition cruising webinar, October 26
– Selling expedition cruising webinar, October 27
* A ‘CLIA Destination Residential’ will be held in Porto, Portugal, with the dates now confirmed as October 6-8. The residential is being held in collaboration with Visit Porto & the North. All delegates will be hosted onboard Norwegian Prima, with additional ship visit options to include the ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation and several river cruise ships. Sessions with destination experts will be held, as well as a trade fair, welcome dinner and the opportunity to join local tours and excursions in Porto itself. Agents can book their place later in June.
* The next luxury and expedition-themed residential, which will take place from July 6-7. It will feature business sessions and networking, alongside an evening dinner and overnight accommodation. Delegates will have dedicated time with sponsors and experts, to help develop understanding and knowledge of the sectors plus their unique selling points. Agents can apply for a place shortly.
* The launch of a tailored LinkedIn group, specifically created for CLIA travel agents who want to stay ahead of the latest specialist cruise trends, insights and news. The group is being created alongside CLIA’s specialist operators, who will directly post their latest updates and content.
* As part of the recently-announced CLIA Regional Days, members will have the opportunity to register for two ultra-luxury ship tours: Seabourn Quest on August 1 in Dover, and Crystal Serenity on August 22 in Southampton. A limited number of places will be available for the visits, which will comprise a tour, lunch and a short presentation by the hosting cruise line and CLIA. Places will open shortly.
* Expedition-themed dinners in London on October 16 and Manchester on October 18, which will feature presentations from experts in the sector. More information on the dinners will follow in the summer.
CLIA is also reminding members of its complementary ‘new to’ guides, available to download free-of-charge via the ‘agent resources’ section of the CLIA website. They contain information on key ships, brands and destinations, as well as sales advice:
– New to river cruise
– New to expedition cruise
– New to luxury and ultra-luxury cruise
– New to yacht and sail cruise
Andy Harmer, managing director for CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “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.”
