Clia highlights specialist cruising in new programme

Clia has announced its “biggest-ever” specialist cruise programme as the association aims to boost the trade’s expertise.

A series of free webinars will begin in June covering river and expedition cruise destinations around the world.

Agents can book onto the webinars, which will take place on June 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, at cruising.org.

More: British travellers more open to cruising ‘than ever before’, says Clia

Clia will host four additional webinars later in the year, focusing on the ultra-luxury sector, yacht and sail cruising, expedition cruising and how to sell expedition cruising.

The former two webinars will take place in September and the latter two in October.

The association will hold a luxury and expedition cruising-themed residential trip on July 6-7 featuring business sessions, networking, dinner and overnight accommodation, as well as expedition-themed dinners in London on October 16 and Manchester in October 18.

Agents can join a newly created Linkedin group designed for trade partners who want to keep up to date with the latest specialist cruise trends, insights and news. The group is being created with Clia’s specialist operators who will directly post their updates and content.

Clia members can also register for two ultra-luxury ship tours in August.

The first will take place on Seabourn Quest in Diver on August 1 and the second on Crystal Serenity on August 22 in Southampton. Both days will include a tour, lunch and short presentation by the hosting cruise line.

Andy Harmer, managing director Clia UK & Ireland, said: “The specialist cruise sector is growing rapidly so our comprehensive programme is designed to help agents take advantage of this demand by boosting both their understanding and selling expertise.

“We’re ensured there are a wealth of options available to enable the trade to pick and choose the opportunities that suit them best.”