CLIA offers boost to growing river cruise market
CLIA UK & Ireland has produced a series of events to help travel agents tap in to the growing river cruise market.
The association is holding a daytime River Cruise Masterclass in London on July 7 which offers dedicated training on all aspects of river cruising including how to increase sales and information from CLIA member river cruise operators.
On September 17, the evening River Cruise Showcase will take place in Manchester when agents can network with 12 different river operators offering itineraries across the world.
And in November, the River Cruise Convention will take place in Amsterdam with a record eight ships being available for visits.
It will take place on November 22 and 23 with ships from Amadeus River Cruises, AMA Waterways, A-Rosa, CroisiEurope, Riviera Travel, Scenic Tours, Tauck and Uniworld.
CLIA UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer said: "With the continued investment in new, more innovative ships and the ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, it’s no surprise that more UK passengers than ever are opting for river cruises as their holiday choice.
"The CLIA river events are designed for both those agents who already sell river and those who want to break into this sector.
"Europe remains by far the most popular region for UK travellers with the River Danube growing by a staggering 41%. Further afield, cruises on Russia’s rivers also grew in popularity along with the Mekong, the Ganges and Brahmaputra."
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