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CLIA announces record travel agent membership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland recently made a number of agent-friendly announcements and updates at its annual conference in Southampton. Over 850 delegates from across the trade heard from Andy Harmer, managing director UK & Ireland, who confirmed: There has been a 10% increase in CLIA membership since May 2024, with almost 4,300 agency members and 10,000 individuals now using CLIA's resources and training A further expansion of CLIA's online 'virtual ship tours' is being made, with 12 more vessels added this year. The CLIA Cruise Champions Class of 2025 will graduate in June – and new for the next intake in the autumn will be a Luxury Cruise stream, to sit alongside the current Expedition Cruise and River Cruise programmes A complimentary 'New to Selling Cruise Virtual Day' has been announced for July 3, which is open to all cruise agent newcomers. CLIA Cruise Week will this year take place from September 15 - 21. CLIA is encouraging the trade to start their planning now, while a raft of Cruise Week agent updates will be made over the next few months CLIA Conference runs to May 24. It is the largest UK travel agent of the year and today included business sessions and a networking trade fair. The next couple of days feature a sailaway party and up to two ships for agents to visit, from an overall choice of six: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral P&O Cruises' Britannia Oceania Cruises' Vista Princess Cruises' Sky Princess MSC Cruises' Virtuosa Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas Two optional pre-Conference opportunities were yesterday on offer to delegates: a 'New to Selling Cruise Day', featuring sales training and product updates, or an ‘Expedition Summit’, which was hosted on Swan Hellenic in Portsmouth. Andy Harmer said: “The cruise sector is thriving, and we're thrilled to see so many agents, cruise lines and partners come together to share ideas, learn and celebrate our progress. Many thanks to everyone who has made such a wide-ranging event possible. "Our latest initiatives - from training days to enhanced virtual ship tours - reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the trade with industry-leading information and advice. Whether agents are new to cruise or seasoned sellers, CLIA is here to help them grow their confidence, knowledge and bookings.”
Azamara Cruises hosted agents onboard during CLIA Destination Showcase 2024 in Gibraltar
Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences, proudly hosted travel agents onboard Azamara Quest® last week in Gibraltar, during the CLIA Destination Showcase 2024, marking the start of CLIA Cruise Week UK & Ireland 2024. Head of Trade Sales UK, Stuart Pearce, commented: "It's incredibly fitting for Azamara to be part of the CLIA Destination Showcase, as destinations are central to everything we do. This event also marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first international visit of an Azamara ship for UK and Irish agents in over five years. We were excited to have our valued partners onboard and to share our unique approach to immersive travel." The visit, held at the Gibraltar Cruise port, was an opportunity for agents to experience an Azamara’s ship and develop a thorough understanding of what sets Azamara apart in the cruise industry, such as its immersive land experiences and longer stays in port, with more late nights and overnights than any other cruise line. This allows guests to explore destinations in-depth, with one-of-a-kind shore excursions and complimentary cultural events, such as the exclusive AzAmazing Evenings, which offers authentic, culturally enriching experiences that highlight the spirit of the destination. From private performances by local artists to cultural festivals, these offerings were introduced to the agents during onboard discussions, giving them a deeper understanding of how Azamara curates these experiences. Among the agents attending, a mix of representatives from both independent agencies and larger travel companies participated. The agents were welcomed onboard by key members of the Azamara UK team, including Head of Trade Sales UK and Ireland, Stuart Pearce, as well as Business Development Manager, Moira Gregson, and Business Support Executive, Jed Hodge. The team led comprehensive tours of the ship, followed by a delicious three-course lunch at Aqualina, one of Azamara’s specialty dining restaurants that has helped play a role in the cruise line win “best dining” awards. Expert sommeliers were on hand to suggest perfect wine pairings from the complimentary curated list available onboard, enhancing the fine dining experience. The visit also provided agents with valuable insights into Azamara's commitment to Destination Immersion®. These insights were shared during engaging onboard talks, where agents learned about the unique benefits of small-ship cruising, such as access to less crowded ports and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Lorraine Hales, a travel agent from iTravel by Lorraine, shared her thoughts on the experience, stating, “Seeing the Azamara Quest® first-hand was incredibly valuable. The ship’s distinctive features and intimate atmosphere truly stand out in person. This experience will greatly enhance my ability to convey the exceptional quality and destination focus of Azamara to my clients.” This event was a key part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with travel partners and showcase the distinct advantages of cruising with Azamara Cruises. In addition, Azamara has recently relaunched the Azamara World Academy, an engaging and educational online, global programme that ensures agents have the necessary tools to effectively sell Azamara Cruises. Azamara has also doubled its agent reward to £20 per booking for the month of September, further strengthening its commitment to delivering enhanced support for the travel agent community.
My Cruises makes waves at the CLIA awards after winning agency promotion of the year
My Cruises, part of the fastest-growing travel company in Australia, Ignite Travel Group, is celebrating after winning the CLIA’s 2023 Agency Promotion of the Year award on 09 March 2024. Shortlisted alongside some of the travel world's finest, My Cruises tipped the scales thanks to its spectacular marketing campaigns, across the year with special mention to its Unmissable Sale. The travel company, known for its unbeatable prices and exclusive bonus value, achieved record-breaking sales during its Unmissable campaign, attributed to its stellar multi-channel marketing campaign, including high-impact press activity, video and social media marketing, highly strategic digital activity and a strong email marketing strategy. Head of Marketing at Ignite Travel Group for My Cruises, Rachael Walker, said: “It’s an incredible honour to win a marketing campaign for a second year running, this year being Agency Promotion of the Year. It reinforces our passion and dedication to delivering a unique offering and crafting exceptional campaigns.” “It truly is a team effort and receiving this recognition validates the hard work and commitment of our entire team from marketing and product and sales who have outdone themselves to deliver this record-breaking campaign.” My Cruises General Manager, Michael Middleton, said: “In recognition of our recent award, we commend our marketing team for their outstanding efforts. Their ability to craft engaging campaigns that emphasise consumer experience has been instrumental in our success. Through strategic messaging and working closely with our incredible cruise line partnerships, we were able to plan ahead and truly create unmissable deals. “This award-winning campaign has not only attracted new to cruise customers but also showcased our cruises alongside the world's best destinations. We're honoured by this achievement and are excited to see how we can continue to grow and what new destinations are around the corner." Alongside the award win, the travel company were also named as finalists for Cruise Month Promotion of the Year Australasia and Large Cruise Agency of the Year Australia. Additionally, Paige Cameron, who is a Sales Consultant in the My Cruises team, was announced as a finalist for the awards Rising Star category.
CLIA Awards celebrate cruising renaissance in Australia and New Zealand
The brightest stars of the Australasian cruise community have been honoured at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where close to 500 people gathered to celebrate the role of the travel trade in the region’s ongoing cruising renaissance. Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia at Luna Park Sydney on Saturday March 11, the gala dinner and presentation night was hosted by entertainer Tim Campbell and involved 18 awards for travel agencies and individuals from across Australia and New Zealand. CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s awards helped cap off a strong summer revival for cruising in Australia and New Zealand. “Travel agents across our region have shown incredible determination over recent years, and these awards help celebrate their resilience and their passion for cruising as we sail into a new era,” Mr Katz said. “As cruising builds on its global renaissance, these awards pay thanks to the Australasian travel trade for its part in our success.” Top winners on the night included Sheron Konig of Travel Associates Rockhampton, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Janine Mallon of Zest4Travel, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Robyn Sinfield of Home Travel Company was named Cruise Champion Australasia. Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, which was named Australasia’s Large Cruise Agency of the Year. Bicton Travel was awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year, while YOU Travel Bethlehem was named New Zealand’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year. A highlight honour was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of past CLIA Chairman and former regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Steve Odell, who was recognised for his industry stewardship and his role in cruising’s success over more than three decades.
CLIA RiverView Conference 2023 from 12-14 March in Vienna
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced its RiverView Conference 2023 will take place from 12-14 March in Vienna. The event, the 11th to be held, will highlight the latest river cruise ships, information and selling advice. It is open to all CLIA member agents and will include multiple ship visits, key speaker sessions and a trade fair. A number of global river cruise themes will be covered including sustainability, innovation, new itineraries and attracting first-time customers. Attendees will spend two nights onboard a river ship as part of the event. Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in river cruise popularity over the past 5-10 years, and we will ensure the trade can continue to capitalise on this demand. Last year’s RiverView Conference was a huge success thanks to the number of agents who attended, the influential speakers from across the industry who offered their guidance and advice, and the positivity and enthusiasm of all delegates. “We can’t wait for next year’s event and are confident it will be just as productive and engaging.”
LoveCruise! CLIA unveils new initiatives
CLIA UK and Ireland has unveiled two new initiatives for agents at its annual conference in Southampton. The initiatives were announced to 550 delegates from across the trade and cruise industry, and inspired by the #LoveCruise theme of the conference: The CLIA website will be expanded to add a ‘love cruise’ section. It will offer a practical checklist of the ways in which agents can make the most of their CLIA membership. The section aims to inform, educate and inspire, by explaining how the trade can develop cruise knowledge and grow sales. The content will be targeted at both experienced and newcomer agents alike. The site will also include a special section on sustainability, reflecting the cruise industry’s recently announced ambition to achieve net zero carbon cruising global by 2050. A series of LoveCruise webinars will shortly be announced, which will be free-of-charge for CLIA members and held in July and August. The webinars will focus on a raft of subject areas that are intended to inform and update agents on the latest developments within the sector. The initiatives were launched by Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director for UK & Ireland.
LoveCruise! CLIA reveals theme for Southampton showcase
CLIA UK & Ireland has announced the theme of its 2022 conference will be #LoveCruise. The conference, which will take place from May 20-22 in Southampton, will be the fourteenth of its kind to be held. It is the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in the UK, and will include a trade fair, daily conference sessions and a gala dinner. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “We are delighted to announce the #LoveCruise theme of the CLIA Conference 2022. The event will recognise the potential our industry offers for growth and the new business openings for travel agent partners. It will also outline the opportunities for those holidaymakers, who have yet to cruise, to take their first holiday on the oceans and rivers.” He added: “CLIA Conference is the ultimate destination for all travel agents who want to grow their business and fall in love with this amazing sector, whether for the first time, or all over again!” The first day of the conference will offer the chance to visit MSC Virtuosa, followed by a trade fair. The second day comprises a visit to P&O Cruises’ Iona, with an evening gala dinner. The final day will be held onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas.
CLIA to host four regional ‘Rediscover’ events this June
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has confirmed it will host four regional 'Rediscover' events for the trade this June. The four regional events will focus on ocean and river cruising, providing insight and support to those selling cruise product. The one-day sessions will give attendees selling tips, product insights and updates and information to agents looking to refresh their knowledge. Cruise line sponsors will be on hand to deliver speed training, answer questions, and network. The events will take place in Dublin on June 15, 2022, in Newcastle on June 16, 2022, Norwich on June 29, 2022, and in Manchester on June 30, 2022. Sessions are free-of-charge for all CLIA agent members, with lunch provided to all guests. Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: "With the domestic cruise season under way, and travel continuing to open up, now is the ideal time for agents to register for a ‘Rediscover’ session. They can build on their existing expertise, as well as pick up the latest news and insight from our sponsors, so they are well ahead of the game when it comes to selling cruise."
Open access to Cruise Champion training from CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is offering open access to its new online training course Cruise Champion, making it available to travel agents and other industry supporters from outside CLIA’s membership. The course has been designed to provide a deeper insight into the workings of the global cruise industry, helping to combat misperceptions and raise awareness of the strict regulations that govern cruising operations worldwide. CLIA managing director Australasia and Asia Joel Katz said: “By sharing more knowledge about cruise line practices and the strict regulations that govern our industry, we can build a bigger network of voices who advocate for cruising globally. Allowing open access to this course will raise awareness while also giving non- members a taste of the education options available through CLIA membership.” Some of the topics Cruise Champion covers include regulations, safety, health, security, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility. While other CLIA education options will remain exclusive to members, Cruise Champion can be accessed without charge.
Agent alert! Spruce up cruise offerings with PONANT training module now available on CLIA Learning Academy
Whale and zodiac in Antarctica (Pic courtesy: Lorraine Turci) In a move that reflects the growth of interest in luxury small ship cruising - and expedition cruising in particular, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has opened the new PONANT training module for both its members and non-members alike. Monique Ponfoort, vice president in Asia Pacific at PONANT said: “This course is designed to provide travel professionals with the expertise and confidence to grow their expedition cruise sales by assisting agents to learn and upskill in preparation for the industry bounce back.” Explaining about the new components of this module, he added: “Even CLIA members who have previously completed the earlier PONANT training module are encouraged to revisit and update their knowledge as this module includes a number of important new components, including NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & PONANT Expeditions, and a comprehensive understanding of Le Commandant Charcot – PONANT’s world-first hybrid polar exploration vessel currently under construction and due to launch in 2021.” All CLIA members and non-members can access the New PONANT module in the CLIA Learning Academy through here. As a formal recognition of their professional knowledge, all agents who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of expertise acknowledging them as a PONANT Qualified Specialist.
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