CLIA is advancing its support for agents in expedition cruising.
- The organisation is hosting a virtual event on cruising the Kimberley.
- Another webinar will cover cruising Central and South America.
- The initiative includes expert advice to enhance expedition sales.
- Recent industry dinners highlighted current trends and future plans.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the support it provides to agents involved in the burgeoning field of expedition cruising. With a focus on increasing knowledge and providing up-to-date industry insights, CLIA is launching a series of new training events designed to equip agents with the necessary tools to succeed in this dynamic sector.
Among the planned events is a virtual training day dedicated to ‘Cruising the Kimberley’ in Western Australia, scheduled for 26 October 2023. This initiative forms part of CLIA’s strategy to offer specialised training that aligns with the growing consumer interest in unique travel experiences, as highlighted by Andy Harmer, Managing Director of CLIA UK & Ireland.
Additionally, a webinar focusing on cruising in Central and South America is slated for 27 October. Both events aim to provide comprehensive insights and facilitate in-depth discussions, followed by interviews and conversations available on CLIA’s Facebook Group and website, thus extending the learning opportunities well beyond the initial sessions.
The sessions will feature cruise line and tourist board experts who will offer invaluable advice on the ships that navigate these regions, the variety of destinations available, and strategies for agents to initiate or enhance their expedition sales. This broad-based support underscores CLIA’s commitment to preparing agents to meet the increasing demand for immersive and responsible travel experiences.
Recent dinners held in London and Manchester attracted nearly 60 industry stakeholders. These gatherings served as a platform for discussing current trends, growth opportunities, and future plans within the expedition cruise sector. As revealed in CLIA’s latest State of the Cruise Industry report, the number of passengers choosing expedition cruises has more than doubled from 2016 to 2022, underlining the sector’s rapid growth and significant potential.
The ongoing initiatives by CLIA reflect a strategic effort to empower agents amid the rising demand for expedition cruises.
