CLIA collaborates with major airlines to meet rising fly-cruise demand.
- Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and Air France/KLM join forces with CLIA.
- Upcoming events will highlight airline partnerships and conference sponsorships.
- Airlines aim to increase industry exposure and agent engagement.
- CLIA continues to expand resources for cruise-selling agents.
In an effort to address the growing demand for fly-cruise itineraries, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has formed strategic partnerships with major airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, and Air France/KLM. These partnerships aim to leverage the increasing popularity of fly-cruise packages among UK and Ireland travellers, capitalising on a trend that shows no sign of abating.
The collaboration with these airlines includes several key initiatives, most notably their involvement as headline sponsors for the 2024 CLIA Conference, scheduled to take place in Southampton from 23-25 May. Within this framework, Virgin Atlantic is set to sponsor the CLIA Cruise Forum on 19 December in Windsor, and Air France/KLM has been announced as the official airline partner for the CLIA RiverView 2024 Conference, which will occur from 11-12 March in Amsterdam.
These events provide airlines with substantial exposure, as their branding will be prominently featured across various assets and online platforms. Additionally, the airlines will set up networking stands at these conferences, facilitating direct engagement with industry participants and expanding their reach within the cruise market. This strategic positioning comes as the cruise industry experiences substantial expansion opportunities, particularly within mainstream, luxury, and river cruise segments.
Speaking about the initiative, Andy Harmer, Managing Director of CLIA UK & Ireland, highlighted the timely nature of this collaboration, noting its potential to significantly enhance the visibility and market reach of the airlines involved. Harmer remarked, “Fly cruise continues to increase in popularity for UK and Ireland guests, so our agreement with Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Air France, and KLM is perfectly timed to capitalise on this demand.”
Adding to this sentiment, Nicki Goldsmith, Virgin Atlantic’s Director of Sales, expressed confidence in the growth prospects within the cruise industry, stating, “We know there is huge growth opportunity within the cruise industry across mainstream, luxury, and river cruise and we are confident that Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM can support this growth throughout our destinations and premium product offering for all cruise customers.”
CLIA has also introduced a new segment to its website aimed at supporting agents new to selling cruises. This move reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to enhance resources and tools for its members, ensuring they remain well-equipped to navigate the evolving travel landscape.
The alliance between CLIA and these leading airlines marks a pivotal moment to harness the expanding fly-cruise demand.
