Responding to a record number of travel agents seeking cruise training, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia is launching another tier to its accreditation program.
The new Cruise Ambassador ranking will become the second level in the CLIA training program sandwiched between first level Accredited Cruise Consultant and the Master Cruise Consultant.
The new program is eligible for agents who already have accredited status, have earned 200 accreditation points, taken two additional elective modules and sailed for at least three nights onboard a CLIA member ship.
CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine says the new level will incentivize agents to continue developing their cruise industry expertise.
"This new tier will create extra recognition for agents who continue to undertake training and will also make it even easier for customers to know when they are dealing with a true cruise specialist."
The revamp follows news that CLIA had moved the mandatory components of its cruise industry training program online.
Mr Jardine said these changes strengthen CLIA’s determination to ensure agents receive the necessary professional training.
"With demand for cruising at record levels in our region, we want to make sure agents are equipped to assist their customers to find the right cruise holiday and build their cruises business."
