CLIA has announced the addition of two significant trade events in Gibraltar and Barcelona, expanding opportunities for travel agents.
- The Gibraltar event from September 15-17 will include business sessions, tours, and ship visits, offering a comprehensive experience.
- Barcelona’s Clia Weekender in October will showcase ships like Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas and MSC World Europe.
- These events are designed to provide agents with first-hand insights into renowned destinations and remarkable ships, enhancing their selling prowess.
- Gibraltar’s tourism minister expressed eagerness to market the destination’s unique offerings to cruise industry professionals.
CLIA, the leading cruise industry association, has unveiled plans to host two new overseas trade events in Gibraltar and Barcelona as part of its 2024 calendar. Recognising the growing interest in cruise travel, these events are set to provide exclusive experiences for travel agents aimed at enhancing their knowledge and marketing capabilities.
The Gibraltar showcase, scheduled for September 15-17, promises an engaging agenda featuring business sessions, local tours, excursions, and ship visits. Notably, attendees will have the opportunity to explore Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Azamara Quest. This event is executed in partnership with Visit Gibraltar, which ensures special accommodation rates for agents, further facilitating their participation.
In October, CLIA will introduce the Clia Weekender in Barcelona, designed to give agents a chance to step aboard ships that rarely call at UK ports. This includes tours of notable vessels such as Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, MSC World Europe, Explora II, and Windstar Cruises’ Wind Star. These experiences are intended to equip agents with valuable insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the cruise offerings available to potential customers.
During CLIA’s announcement at its largest-ever conference in Southampton, attended by 850 delegates, Managing Director Andy Harmer expressed optimism regarding the growing cruise demand. He highlighted the importance of first-hand experiences in selling cruises, asserting that the upcoming events would offer unmatched opportunities for agents to broaden their expertise.
Gibraltar’s minister for tourism, Christian Santos, also conveyed enthusiasm about hosting the event, emphasising Gibraltar’s appeal as a destination. He expressed readiness to welcome industry professionals and showcase Gibraltar’s unique attractions, positioning it as a must-visit location for cruise enthusiasts.
These strategic events by CLIA signify an expansive approach to fostering knowledge and expertise among travel agents.
