Advantage announces return of cruise-specific conference

Advantage Travel Partnership has announced the return of its dedicated cruise conference, and said it expects attendee numbers to hit a “record high”.

The consortium will hold the Back on the Water 2022 conference from October 7-9, which will be its first cruise-specific conference since 2019.

Advantage is partnering with Virgin Voyages to host the conference on Valliant Lady which will depart from Ibiza and sail to Barcelona over the three days.

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The conference will focus on the return of the cruise sector and look at what ocean, river and expedition holidays can offer customers, with a push to sell to first time cruisers.

Additionally, Advantage will host dedicated sessions for its Advantage Managed Service (AMS) members during the conference, providing a business strategy update.

David Moon, head of business development, said: “We are delighted to be sharing the news that our popular cruise conference is back and we are really looking forward to bringing our AMS members together as a group for the first time since the pandemic.

“In addition to helping our AMS members improve their knowledge and sales in the cruise market, the conference will allow us to update them on our plans for AMS moving forward and how we can further support the growth of their businesses through achieving operational excellence.”

Cruise commercial manager Jonny Peat (pictured) said: “We are super excited to be bringing back our cruise conference and have been overwhelmed with the unprecedented response we’ve had from members already.

“More than 50% of available places were snapped up within three days of registration launching and we’re on track to have record numbers attend one of our cruise focused conferences.

“As the cruise industry continues to bounce back after the pandemic, we’re focusing on the opportunities that ocean, river and expedition holidays offer our members and their customers.

“This conference underpins our commitment to support the cruise sector and ensure our members lead the way in helping grow the UK cruise market.”