CLIA reveals specialist agent training, events programme

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) unveils details of its largest programme of training, events and resources for the specialist cruise segment.

A number of initiatives have been launched for agents to learn more about the river cruises, expedition and ultra-luxury sectors.

They include a series of free webinars in June, covering river and expedition cruise destinations.

The webinars will take place from 9.30am and are available to book now:

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).

Several more 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, 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 Seabourn Ovation and several river cruise ships.

Sessions with destination experts will be held, as well as a trade fair, welcome dinner and local tours and excursions in Porto.

The next luxury and expedition-themed residential 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.

Agents can apply for a place shortly.

A dedicated LinkedIn group for CLIA travel agents is being created alongside CLIA’s specialist operators, who will directly post latest agent training, updates and content.

As part of the CLIA Regional Days, members can register for two ultra-luxury ship tours:

These are Seabourn Quest on August 1 in Dover, and Crystal Serenity on August 22 in Southampton.

A limited number of places will be available which include a tour, lunch and a short presentation by the hosting cruise line and CLIA.

Additionally, there are expedition-themed dinners in London on October 16 and Manchester on October 18.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland MD, said: “The specialist cruise sector is growing rapidly, so our comprehensive programme is designed to help agents take advantage of this demand.”

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