Clia unveils free ‘Love Bites’ training initiative

Scheme aimed at boosting agents’ cruise sales

Clia unveils free ‘Love Bites’ training initiative

Clia is set to launch a free training initiative for travel agents aimed at increasing their knowledge to help them boost sales.

The Cruise Love Bites scheme, which takes place on five separate occasions between July 14 and August 25, includes features presentations, virtual ship tours and product updates from ocean, river, luxury and expedition lines.

The trade association said industry experts would also be available to recommend sought-after experiences and provide hints and tips to boost bookings.

Andy Harmer, Clia managing director for UK & Ireland, said: “Agents have done an amazing job of booking cruise holidays since our return, and have firmly re-established a holiday at sea and on rivers as a go-to customer option.

“As the positive momentum gathers pace, we have put on our ‘Love Bite’ sessions to provide further advice and insight, and help showcase the range of options that are on offer.

“With speakers from across a range of cruise brands, and with sector specialists also attending, these bite-sized sessions are not to be missed for agents looking to capitalise on ever-increasing customer demand.”

The line-up includes:

July 14 – AmaWaterways, Virgin Voyages, Azamara and Aurora ExpeditionsJuly 21- Amadeus, Royal Caribbean International, APT / TravelMarvel and Explora JourneysAugust 11 – Carnival, Uniworld, Seabourn and Swan HellenicAugust 18 – MSC Cruises, A-Rosa Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity CruisesAugust 25 -Avalon Waterways, Holland America Line, Oceania and CroisiEurope

Sessions will be available to book from next week via cruising.org.